Ghana names final 2010 World Cup squad with Kingston dropped

Published on: 29 May 2010

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac was ruthless in naming a shocking final World Cup 23-man squad, leaving out four experienced players including midfielder Laryea Kingston.

German-born Kevin Prince Boateng, who recently switched nationality to play for the West African country, made the final list drawn up by the Serbian.

But the exclusion of Kingston has shocked fans in the West African country because he was tipped to make the final squad after missing the 2006 tournament because of suspension.

The axing of the former Scotland-based midfielder compounds his misery after his contract with Scottish side Hearts was not renewed because of his price tag.

Some of the other experienced players, who suffered the misery of being left out, include Holland-based defender Eric Addo as well as 2006 World Cup hero Haminu Dramani.

Midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu will not recover in time for the tournament in South Africa while Bennard Yao Kumordzi also failed to make the grade.

Home-based goalkeeper Stephen Adams was left out but the inclusion of winger Quincy Owusu Abeyie will delight fans of the Dutch-born youngster who returns to the fold after a two-year hiatus.

Getafe midfielder Derek Boateng, who has also impressed in the Spanish top flight this season, makes the final squad as well as AC Milan youngster Dominic Adiyiah.

Adiyiah, who is also part of Ghana’s U20 World Cup title winners last year, is among the four players in that squad who won their places to the global tournament.

The striker’s U20 colleagues Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Andre Ayew and goalkeeper Daniel Agyei were all chosen in the final squad.

Ayew’s brother Ibrahim seems to have profited from the injuries of Badu and Michael Essien but crucially his utility abilities mean he can deputize in the left back and midfield positions.

Ibrahim’s inclusion ensures that legend Abedi Pele, who did not play in the World Cup in his career, will have two sons playing in the tournament’s first hosting in Africa which he campaigned for.

Striker Prince Tagoe, who was told by doctors of German club Hoffenheim ten months ago that his career has ended because of a heart defect, will complete a fairytale year after being chosen in the squad.

He missed the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in January because of that problem but returns to partner Asamoah Gyan in attack.

The other strikers in the team are Matthew Amoah and Adiyiah.

But the Black Stars will benefit from the experience of captain Stephen Appiah, John Mensah, John  Paintsil, Hans Sarpei and goalkeeper Richard Kingston.

Star player Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari, defenders Isaac Vorsah and Lee Addy all made the final squad.

Three home-based players made the squad including goalkeepers Stephen Ahorlu and Agyei as well as defender Addy.

The Black Stars will play Holland and Latvia in friendlies before heading out to South Africa to play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D of the tournament.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson, Daniel Agyei, Stephen Aholu

Defenders: John Paintsil, John Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Hans Adu Sarpei, Rahim Ayew, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah

Midfielders: Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Stephen Appiah, Andre Ayew, Derek Boateng

Attackers: Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Dominic Adiyiah, Mathew Amoah

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