Ghanaian winger Frank Acheampong has strengthened his case for a return to the Black Stars after playing a decisive role in Dalian Yingbo FC’s historic triumph in the 2026 Chinese Super League.
The experienced attacker was crowned a league champion after helping Dalian complete a remarkable late-season comeback to secure their maiden Chinese Super League title in dramatic fashion.
Dalian’s achievement is particularly impressive considering the club had to overcome a 14-point deficit during the closing stages of the campaign to emerge champions.
Longtime league leaders Chengdu Rongcheng had appeared to be in control of the title race, but a dramatic collapse in the final weeks of the season opened the door for Dalian to capitalise.
Dalian eventually finished level on points with Chengdu but claimed the championship through their superior head-to-head record, having beaten their rivals in both league encounters.
Acheampong was one of the outstanding performers behind the club’s historic achievement, delivering impressive attacking numbers throughout the campaign.
The 33-year-old finished the season with 12 goals and four assists in 29 Chinese Super League appearances, contributing directly to 16 goals.
He also played 2,313 minutes, started all 29 matches and finished as Dalian Yingbo’s leading goalscorer, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking structure.
His 12-goal contribution placed him ahead of several of his teammates, including Nicolae Stanciu, who scored 10 goals, and Cephas Malele, who registered eight.
Acheampong’s influence became even more evident during the decisive stages of the championship race.
One of his most memorable performances came against Qingdao West Coast, where he produced a sensational display by scoring all four goals in Dalian’s emphatic 4-0 victory.
That performance proved crucial in keeping the club’s championship ambitions alive and demonstrated his ability to deliver when the pressure was highest.
His contribution was not limited to scoring goals. The former Black Stars winger also provided four assists, showing his creativity, attacking intelligence and ability to create opportunities for teammates.
His consistency, experience and ability to influence important matches made him one of the most valuable players in Dalian’s championship-winning campaign.
Why the Black Stars should reconsider Acheampong
Acheampong’s remarkable season raises an important question about his continued absence from Ghana’s national team setup.
Despite his experience and impressive performances abroad, the former Anderlecht and Tianjin Teda attacker has spent considerable time away from the Black Stars, with successive national team selections overlooking his services.
However, his latest achievements provide a strong argument for reconsidering his international future.
First, his goal-scoring numbers demonstrate that he remains a productive attacking player. Scoring 12 league goals and providing four assists in a competitive top-flight championship is an impressive return for a winger, particularly one operating in a demanding league.
Second, his versatility offers another advantage. Acheampong can operate on either flank, attack defenders in one-on-one situations, exploit spaces behind defensive lines and contribute goals from wide positions.
His pace, direct running, experience and ability to create chances could provide Ghana with additional attacking options, especially against opponents who defend deep.
Third, his experience at the highest level of international and European football could be valuable to a Black Stars squad preparing for important assignments. He understands the demands of international football and has previously represented Ghana at major tournaments.
At 33, Acheampong may not represent a long-term solution for the national team, but his age should not automatically disqualify him from consideration, particularly when his performances continue to demonstrate his quality.
Ghana need players who are performing consistently for their respective clubs, and Acheampong has provided sufficient evidence that he remains capable of making a meaningful contribution.
With the Black Stars continuing their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, his championship-winning campaign presents an opportunity for the technical team to reassess the attacking options available.
His return would also offer competition for places and provide the coaching staff with another experienced option capable of changing the dynamics of a game.
Acheampong has done his part on the pitch in China, helping his club achieve a historic milestone while delivering impressive individual statistics.
The question now is whether the Black Stars technical team will reward his outstanding club form with another opportunity to represent Ghana.
After years of being overlooked, Frank Acheampong has certainly given the national team selectors something serious to think about.
2026 Chinese Super League statistics: 29 appearances, 12 goals, four assists, 2,313 minutes played and Dalian Yingbo’s leading goalscorer.
