Feature: Ghana's AFCON debutants

Published on: 15 January 2013

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah picked ten debutants in his final 23-man squad for the 2013 AFCON which kicks off on Saturday in South Africa. 

Ghanasoccernet.com takes a look at the CVs of all the debutants.

The list includes three defenders, six midfielders and one striker.

Jerry Akaminko The 24-year-old plies his trade with Turkish Super Lig side Eski?ehirspor where he has been consistently impressive.

Akaminko scored on his Ghana debut in the 7-0 thrashing of Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier and has gone ahead to make six appearances for the West African side.

Richard Kissi Boateng Kissi Boateng, left-back, is one of the four home-based players who made the final 23-man squad.

The 24-year-old glittered in the CAF Champions League with debutants Berekum Chelsea.

Kissi along with Wakaso Mubarak are the only natural left-backs in the squad.

Mohamed Awal Awal Mohammed is yet to play a competitive game for the Black Stars.

He was handed his debut call-up for the friendly against AFCON debutants Cape Verde in November but failed to turn up for the match due to documentation issues.

His performance with South African Premier Soccer League side Maritzburg United is earning raving reviews.

Christian Atsu Christian Atsu is by far the most exciting player in the Ghana squad.

He is dubbed the 'New Messi'.

Since marking his debut in the 7-0 drubbing of Lesotho with a goal and a scintillating performance, the FC Porto starlet has gone ahead to make seven appearances and scored twice.

Solomon Asante The pocket-size winger's electrifying and lightening pace on the flanks has become his trademark.

Fifa cleared the 22-year-old to play for Ghana in August following uncertainties were raised over his nationality after featuring for Burkina Faso in an international friendly.

He has two Ghana caps.

Albert Adomah The Bristol City winger who is being pursued by Norwich and Swansea City scored his first Ghana goal in the 4-2 friendly win over Tunisia in Abu Dhabi prior to the 2013 AFCON.

Adomah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, was named in Ghana's preliminary squad for the 2012 Nations Cup but failed to make the final cut.

He has made five appearances for the Black Stars since making his debut on September 5, 2011 against Brazil at the Craven Cottage.

Rabiu Mohammed Rabiu Mohammed, was a member of Ghana's successful 2009 Fifa U-20 World Cup.

The 23-year-old has just one Ghana cap.

Mubarak Wakaso The versatile Espanyol winger is capped thrice and has scored once for the Black Stars.

He is expected to play a pivotal role for the Black Stars.

Emmanuel Clottey The Esperance forward is among ten AFCON debutants and will be hoping to shine in South Africa.

He was the top scorer of last season's CAF Champions League after netting 12 goals in the competition for Berekum Chelsea.

Richmond Boakye-Yiadom The 19-year-old Juventus striker is on loan at Serie B leaders Sassuolo where he has bagged nine goals so far in the competition.

Richmond has scored twice in four Ghana caps.

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