As the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations looms, GHANAsoccernet.com examines the Ghana players vying for places in Goran Stevanovic’s final 23-man squad for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
With most league's heading to the half-way break, attentions will be switched to the biennial showpiece, at least for Africans.
Ghana will be looking to end a 30-year wait for a fifth African crown in its history and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
With some traditional heavyweights (Egypt, Cameroon and Nigeria) failing to qualify for the finals, many believe it presents the best chance for the Black Stars to win the trophy but with the likes of Ivory Coast and Senegal in contention, it is surely not going to be a jolly ride.
GHANAsoccernet.com looks at the Nations Cup hopefuls, their hopes of making the plane the Gabonese city of Franceville where Ghana is drawn in Group D alongside Botswana, Guinea and Mali – and the men Goran Stevanovic will leave behind.
Stevanovic names his 23-man squad on December 15 which will commence an intensive build-up to the finals before they emplane to South Africa on a training tour.
ON THE PLANE
Adam Kwarasey
The Stromsgoedset shot stopper has claimed the no.1 position for his own after making an impressive debut against Swaziland in the Africa Cup of Nations in September. The 23-year old has since not looked back and subsequent jaw-dropping performance has ensured the displacement of veteran Richard Kingson from the Ghana squad. The ex Norway U-21 goalkeeper will be a definite pick come December 15 when the squad is announced.
Daniel Agyei
The 22-year-old has been Ghana’s immediate deputy goalkeeper for some time now. The Liberty Professionals player has been bidding his tome to become the country’s no.1 but will for now have to make do with his deputizing role for Kwarasey at Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Ernest Sowah
Seen as the outright outsider, the 23-year-old Berekum Chelsea goalie will be content to make the squad for the next AFCON. Though he has not played too many games in the current campaign, Sowah’s reliable reputation may be just enough to see him make the squad.
John Mensah
Mensah has always been good playing for the Black Stars despite his limited playing time with French side Olympique Lyon. The 29-year-old captain’s season has once more again been plaque by injuries but remains a key component in the Black Stars setup.
John Paintsil
Just like Mensah, Paintsil has always been efficient and reliable for the national team despite his limited opportunities with his club side; Leicester City. Only that he has been consistent with his fitness and will be a sure bet when coach Goran Stevanovic names his final squad on December 15.
Jonathatn Mensah
Seen by many as the heir apparent to John Mensah, the 21-year-old’s worth of experience will be boosted if he makes the cut for the 2012 AFCON as he prepares to claim a more permanent role with the Black Stars.
Isaac Vorsah
Though the Hoffenheim defender will be missing Ghana’s opening two games through suspension, the 23-year-old’s role as a compliment to John Mensah in the heart of Ghana’s defence will be crucial as Ghana progresses to the latter stages.
Samuel Inkoom
The 22-year-old’s versatility guarantees his place in the national team. Though a known defender (right back), his ability to adapt with midfield roles makes him an eminent member of the current Black Stars squad.
Daniel Opare
Opare, though a natural right-back has been impressive for the Black Stars when operating from the problematic left-back position. His youthful exuberance, pace and skill will definitely be an asset thereby making him not only a squad member but a starter in the first eleven at Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Lee Addy
The Red Stars Belgrade has for most of his time been a Black Stars bench warmer but have also om most occasions been thoroughly good enough to be part of the 2012 group.
Anthony Annan
Though seems to have lost his regular place in the Black Stars, Annan has always been the person to go to when there is an issue of reliability. The 25-year-old has over the years grown into his own as one of the few fine combative Ghana midfielders especially taking into account his diminutive stature.
Sulley Muntari
The Inter Milan midfielder though has hardly played for the Nerazurri this season has and will always be an important component of the national team. Muntari, 27, has on numerous occasions produced the goods whenever the going gets tough which makes him an even more crucial member of the squad.
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu
Only injury could rob the 21-year-old of a place in the final 23 for the 2012 AFCON considering the highly productive season he is having so far. A proven workaholic, Agyemang-Badu’s industry will be much counted on especially with the absence of the more experienced Michael Essien.
Derek Boateng
The 28-year-old has managed to creep back into the plans of Coach Goran Stevanovic with highly impressive performances whenever given the chance. His midfield combination with Agyemang-Badu has proved successful so far which makes him an extremely difficult player to be ignored.
Kwadwo Asamoah
Even though Asamoah’s form his been below par of late, the 23-year-old should make the list on account of his unique style of play. He brings a lot of creation and imagination in the Black Stars play and will be the one expected to carve out all the goal scoring opportunities either for the strikers or for himself.
Andre Ayew
Easily Ghana’s most impressive performer this year, the Marseille player’s hardwork, skill and will to win attitude will be a more than welcoming attribute to the Ghana set up for the CAN.
Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
His pace and trickery makes him a unique option to consider. He has however had limited time with the national team and will be hoping to first make it to the final cut and subsequently getting more play time under his belt.
Mohammed Abu
Every squad for a tournament makes provision for a couple of new talents expected to rack up some experience for subsequent tournaments and Abu happens to be one of those.
The 20-year-ola Man City player who is currently on loan at Stromgodset has stolen the headlines on few occasions with some exceptional performances. His ability to shoot very well on target from deep also goes a long way to help his case.
Asamoah Gyan
A sure bet to make the Ghana’s squad, the Al Ain player will lead the Black Stars attack as it makes an attempt to win its fifth African titles. Gyan’s performance in the last edition has even heightened expectations of him in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Prince Tagoe
Though has been a bit rusty in his goal scoring, Tagoe’s high work rate is very essential for the team.
Jordan Ayew
Ayew’s surge in form for his club; Marseille has thrown his name right in the mix. A lot of eyebrows will certainly be raised if he is not included in the squad due to be announced on December 15.
IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE
Derek Asamoah
He made his return to the Black Stars and scored the winner at the death in a 2-1 win over co-hosts Gabon last month in Paris. Asamoah also help Pohang Steelers to win the South Korean championship. He is in form and we might need him.Â
Harrison Afful
Afful’s return to the national team will be a reward for a consistent season which was crowned with winning the Caf Champions League with Tunisian club Esperance. He will bring a lot of needed competition to the problematic left-back position in the Ghana squad.
Masawudu Alhassan
The teenager played a couple of games for the Black Stars but his lack of action in a top flight league could be a stumbling block. The 18-year-old is a natural left-footer and we will need him for the full-back role.
Albert Adomah
He is in form for Bristol City in the Npower Championship. He did well in the games against Brazil and Nigeria. Adomah's energy, speed and skills will be vital. He can make the trip.
IN THE COLDÂ
Emmanuel Frimpong
He is yet to be cleared by Fifa so we can wait for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Jefferey Schlupp
He made his debut against Gabon in an international friendly last month and has had cameo appearances for Leicester City in the Championship. He needs more game time to convince.
Charles Takyi
Takyi was not all that impressive for on his debut cannot be considered.
Dominic Adiyiah
The 2009 World Youth best player has struggled for playing time in the Turkish second-tier league. His confidence has dipped and will not be needed in South Africa.