Appiah's Squad Analysed

Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodest, Norway) – Has been his club’s first-choice goalkeeper since he joined them in 2007, having come though the Valerenga’s youth set-up. Was able to showcase his skills to an even greater extent this season, bailing out his defense time and time again, putting his body on the line and making spectacular saves when the opposition looked odds-on to score. One of a kind.

Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana) – Considered by many observers as the future glovesman for the Black Stars, Agyei has been impressive in-between the sticks on the domestic front. The Liberty custodian has few weaknesses but he is terrific in one-on-one situations. He remains an important presence in the team.

Robert Dabuo (All Stars, Ghana) – One player many have longed-advocated for his inclusion in the team due to his eye-catching performances for his local side. He has been a model of consistency, rarely making errors on the local scene.

Ernest Sowah (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana) – Dominant presence between the posts that has ensured Chelsea’s historic qualification to the money zone of the CAF Champions League. Prone to the odd clanger like most goalkeepers, but still one of the most consistent in the Premier League. He has provided a calm influence at the back.

Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia) – Top-notch defender for Esperance who played an influential role in their Champions League success last year. A commanding performer who can get important goals apart of protecting his side. Great reward for his watershed display for the Tunisian giants which has seen them qualify to defend their Champions League trophy this term.

Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine) – Key protagonist for both club and country. A composed defender who can tackle. Inkoom is also adept at launching his team’s attack. Part of the future generation of the Black Stars. Has been part of the team since 2009.

Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany) – Cool, calm and collected defender and commanding in the air. He will be unavailable for the two games due to suspension but remains an integral part of the team. A regular feature for the German outfit and has helped a defense that has been particularly penny-pinching in the Bundesliga.

Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium) – The highly rated defender has been consistent in the Belgian top-flight. Was an unused sub during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations due to a troublesome injury but has since regained his confidence at club level. A big asset who can operate on both the right and left wings. When deployed at his preferred right-full back position, he provides a great avenue for attack, not only for him to cross the ball, but for his team-mates to occupy the space and arrest the defensive sorties of opponent. He has pace to burn and also a solid defender.

John Boye (Rennes, France) – Arguably the best Ghanaian defender abroad with swash buckling performances for the French outfit. Was a revelation and outstanding at his debut appearance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He would be an undisputed first-choice to man the heart of defence.

Masawudu Alhassan (Genoa, Italy) – Promising left-full back who made his debut at the Africa’s flagship tournament held at Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. He has weaved his way into the set-up after helping Genoa seek qualification to the Italian elite division next season. He’s calm. Needs to work on his pace and crossing ability. But surely a future genius for the national team.
Lee Addy (Dalian Aerbin, China) - Not much has been heard of him since he moved to the Asian region. Despite not playing in one of the prominent leagues in the world, his experience with the team will prove consequential. The multi-talented defender can be used as an emergency centre-back, right full back and the left full back.

Daniel Addo (Zorya, Ukraine) – One of the promising defenders to have emerged from Ghana after helping the Black Satellites to win the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009. He has been heralded as one of the most exciting defensive prospect in his early years at Zorya. The unflappable defender is quick, strong and dominant in the air. He will have to work his way through to get selection in the team.

Jerry Akaminko (Manisaspor, Turkey) – He has paid his dues with superlative defensive displays for his club. A commanding presence who can also pop up with headed goals from time to time. Tipped to make a mark in the team.

Richard Kissi Boateng (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana) – He has developed into one of the best left-backs in the local league and played a pivotal role in Chelsea’ surge in the Caf Champions League. He will have a lot of grass to cover if he’s to break into the team.

Rashid Sumaila (Ebusua Dwarfs, Ghana) – The Dwarfs defender takes few prisoners, strong in the air and firm in the tackles. He should be watched for the future. Have my doubt if he can break into the current set-up.

Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Ukraine) – Known for his galloping dribbles of the entire length of the field; he is an artistic player who can break down defenses via dribble or pass. Would be available for the crunch game against Zambia game but will miss the opening qualifying match against Lesotho due to suspension. Technical genius with low centre gravity who will prove an important player in the qualifiers.

Anthony Annan (Vitese Arnhem, Netherlands) – Fantastic season in the Eredivisie with regular playing time to his name. An intelligent player who combines precise passing with creative vision in both the final third and from a deep lying position. Affectionately called ‘Pablo’ named after the Argentine Pablo Aimar he has a superb ability to keep the ball and will continue to be one of the core players in the heart of midfield for the Black Stars.

Emmanuel Agyemang- Badu (Udinese, Italy) – His injury set back was attributed to Ghana’s failure to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He is a technical player and has tremendous ball control with creative vision. Regarded by some peers as the best midfielder in the current set-up, he is very difficult to dispossess and can also run at defenders and take them. Can score some wonder goals as well.

Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy) – A complete player who has been a key figure for Udinese this season. Despite struggling in Ghana colours in recent international tournaments, the 22-year-old has an explosive long-range shot with calm-looking tackles that has made Sir Alex Ferguson keen on prising him away from the Little Zebras.

Sulley Muntari (AC Milan, Italy) – Well rounded midfielder but prefers to operate centrally in the final third. Has an explosive ability to pull the trigger from acute angles. He has been a key performer for the Black Stars for many years and after rediscovering his form at Milan, he will continue to churn out impressive performances for the national team.

Ishmael Yartey (Servette, Switzerland) – Among the best young players in Europe this season with scintillating performances in the Swiss top-flight league. Soccer fans will once again see the man who can control the tempo of the game. It’s been long overdue for the dude. He is a sure bet to replace the injured Andre Ayew.

Christian Atsu (Rio Ave, Portugal) – His amazing performance for the FC Porto loanee has been mind-blowing. Dubbed the little ‘Messi’, Atsu has established himself in the Portuguese League as the whizkid following startling performances. He was voted the Rio Ave’s Player of the Season and that should qualify him as a candidate to stake a claim in the national team. Massive potential for the African giants.

Albert Adomah (Bristol City, England) – Had a fine season in the Championship this term – among the 25 best players in the English second tier – and sure deserves a place in the team. But after missing the boat to the last Africa Cup of Nations, he must work his way into the team.

Richard Mpong (Medeama SC, Ghana) – One of the exciting midfielders in the Ghana Premier League, the Asante Kotoko target marked an incredible debut for the Black Stars with the opening goal during the country’s international friendly against Chile earlier this year. He is fast and has an impressive work rate. Part of the future generation for the Black Stars.

Rabiu Mohammed (Evian, Gaillard Thollon, France) – The former Liberty Professionals enforcer has been a revelation after he helped Evian gain promotion to the French top-flight during a loan spell. He has gone ahead to masterfully command the midfield in 24 outings and so naturally perfect for him to fight for a place in a star-studded team Ghana midfield.

Jordan Ayew (Olympique Marseille) – Has had a decent season for the French giants. He has scored three goals in the League this season by often gliding into the box and finishing calmly. He presses defenders high across the field and such a trait will inure to the benefit of the team. In the absence of record goal poacher Asamoah Gyan, the son of the Ghana legend will be relied on for goals in the two qualifiers. He however needs to step up his game to prove his critics wrong by emerging as the leading marksman for the team. No doubt he has the blood of Abedi Pele and can stand up to the occasion.

Dominic Adiyiah (Arsenal Kyiv, Ukraine) – Good old Adiyiah returns to the team after he was left out of the squad that played at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations for lack of form. He has since rediscovered his confidence since he joined the Ukrainian top flight side. Despite playing regularly for the new club, he never really got on the score sheet many times and with locals Emmanuel Baffour and Emmanuel Clottey scoring at will, it might take hard work for him to reclaim his position. But surely good to know he’s back in the team with a determination to fight.

Benjamin Acheampong (Asante Kotoko, Ghana) – The former All Stars was least expected to be in the team despite impressing for the yet-to-installed Ghanaian Premier League champions. He has the searing pace and very strong and a great finisher who only needs a half-chance. He has established himself as Kotoko’s leading marksman in the second half of the league, beating out other talented strikers including Ivorian import Ahmed Toure.

Emmanuel Baffour (New Edubiase, Ghana) – His exclusion from the squad that played at the 2010 Cup of Nations was hugely criticized after raking in 21 goals 26 matches for his local side. He however got his breakthrough when he played his first game for the Black Stars during their 1-1 draw against Chile in an international friendly. He never got on the scoresheet but didn’t disappoint either. More of such opportunities will help to cushion his confidence especially in the absence of star striker Asamoah Gyan. All eyes will be on him to prove his mettle during the double header against Lesotho and Zambia.

Emmanuel Clottey (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana) – Six goals in the Caf Champions League so far has made him the hot-shot in Africa at the moment. Clottey has an explosive work rate and steal in from the back. His aggressive attitude poses problems for defenders with cheeky ease. He has improved his finishing. Was sensational when he played in the qualifiers to the Nations Cup against Sudan in Kumasi last year. The former Odense BK attacker will look to prove his case and become a key member of the team.