Asamoah Gyan's World Cup dream could be fading away after being overlooked for the country's international double-header friendly against Brazil and Nicaragua this month.
The iconic talisman is seeking to become the latest 'Roger Milla' to earn a surprised call-up into the team ahead of the global showpiece.
The 36-year-old is bidding to make a shock return to the global stage despite being unattached since leaving Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities.
The former Udinese, Rennes and Sunderland forward is embarking on a fitness programme with the hope of appearing at what would be his fourth World Cup finals.
But the country's leading top scorer has been overlooked by coach Otto Addo after he named a 29-man squad for a pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil and Nicaragua.
Gyan featured at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups and remains the top African scorer at the mundial.
However, his quest to make a fourth World Cup berth appears to have hit a brickwall after being snubbed in the Ghana call-up.
Ghana will play Brazil on Friday, September 23, at Stade Oceane in Le Harve- France before taking on Nicaragua at Estadio Francisco Artes Carrasco in Lorca, Spain on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
The selected players include Brighton and Hove Albion right back Tariq Lamptey, Southampton FC’s Mohammed Salisu, Stephan Ambrosius of Karlsruher SC and Inaki Williams who plays for Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao.
Also included in the squad are Richard Ofori, Joseph Aidoo and Antoine Semenyo.
Most of these players are expected to make the bulk of Ghana’s World Cup squad.
The competition will be played in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.