Talent and question marks.
Despite the arrival of several talented bi-nationals, it is difficult to imagine the Black Stars shining as much as in 2010. The last African country to quarter-finalize a World Cup, Ghana narrowly qualified and landed in a noted group in Qatar.
The story
Present at the 2010 World Cup, André Ayew will find Uruguay and the arm of Luis Suarez, the one who had stopped the Ghanaian epic in the quarter.
In additional time, the striker had deployed to take out the head of Dominic Adiyiah.
Red card for the false goalkeeper but penalty missed by Asamoah Gyan.
On penalties, Sebastian Abreu had completed the work of a panenka (1-1, 4-2 on tab).
Form
The Black Stars went through CAN 2022 in the shadow of their fourth place in Group C. Since then, Thomas Partey and his troupe have barely been reassured.
Qualified for the World Cup thanks to the away goal and the parked bus against Nigeria (0-0, 1-1), Ghana lost against Brazil (0-3) and beat Nicaragua (1-0) during the last truce.
However, there is hope.
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) and Tariq Lamptey (Brighton) have chosen to represent Ghana and Mohammed Salisu (Southampton) has finally answered the call of the selection.
While other reinforcements could follow, Otto Addo has equipment available but will have to go through the DIY box in order to oil the Ghanaian formation.
The list of selected players
The Ghanaian coach will have to do without two of his main goalkeepers.
To compensate for this weakness in the cages, he has some great defensive options available.
Addo notably called on Salis Abdul Samed for the first time.
The Lensois will be accompanied by four other residents of Ligue 1: Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Alexander Djiku and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Goalkeepers:
Manaf Nurudeen (Eupen), Lawrence Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Danlad Ibrahim (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders:
Abdul Baba Rahman (Reading), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Denis Oddoi (Club Bruges), Tariq Lamptey (Brigthon Albion), Alidu Seidu (Clermont), Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton), Daniel Amartey ( Leicester), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo)
Midfielders:
Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (Fribourg), Salis Abdul Samed (Lens), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax), Elisha Owusu (Genk), André Ayew (Al Sadd)
Forwards:
Kamal Sowah (Club Bruges), Antoine Semenyo (Bristol), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Fatawu Issahaku (Sporting Lisbon), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Stade Rennais), Inaki Williams (Bilbao), Daniel Afriyie (Accra Hearts, Ghana) , Osman Bukari (Belgrade)
The probable composition
LP
Difficult to project on the 11 that will align Addo, in office since February.
Instead of choosing between Salisu, Djiku (Strasbourg) and Amartey (Leicester), he could opt for a three-man defense.
The right side Lamptey only has one cap but at his best, he supplants his competitors.
In support of the versatile Kudus (Ajax), Partey is the boss of the team.
In front, the nuggets Fatawu (Sporting) and Sulemana (Rennes) should bring power and explosiveness off the bench.
Player to watch: Inaki Williams
Ghanaian Inaki Williams with Brazilian Bremer at the Océane stadium in Le Havre on September 23, 2022. 2022 Icon Sport
Six years after his only selection with La Roja, the native of Bilbao celebrated his first two caps with the Black Stars in September.
Addo risks reserving the tip of the attack for him at the expense of young Felix Afena-Gyan (Cremonese).
Technical and quick, the 28-year-old leads the Athletic Club attack with his brother Nico.
Author of three goals this season, Inaki does not panic the statistics but pushes very far the cursor of the regularity.
The Basque hasn't missed a La Liga match since April 2016.
Ghana team match schedule