Ghana’s Coach Kwesi Appiah Announces 26-Man Pre-World Cup Squad
Ghana’s national football team coach, Kwesi Appiah, has unveiled a 26-player squad that will begin preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The squad, which was announced at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters, features a mixture of seasoned stars and emerging talent, as the Black Stars aim to make a strong impact in Brazil.
Headlining the list are some of Ghana’s biggest names, with experienced internationals such as Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Ayew, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, and Asamoah Gyan all included. These players bring a wealth of international experience, and their leadership will be crucial as Ghana looks to progress deep into the tournament.
There are also exciting new additions to the squad, notably Kevin Schlupp, who has been promoted to the Premier League with Leicester City this season. Schlupp’s inclusion in the squad is a testament to his strong performances in England’s top flight, and his versatility will be valuable for the team. Another significant return is Rabiu Mohammed, who has recovered from injury after missing out on the previous World Cup qualifying matches, adding depth to Ghana’s midfield options.
In addition to the well-known faces, there is a spot for local league player Stephen Adams, who impressed during the recent CHAN (African Nations Championship) tournament. The goalkeeper’s inclusion highlights the depth of talent in Ghana’s domestic league and provides a fresh option for the team in goal.
To prepare for the global tournament, the Black Stars have scheduled two friendly matches. They will face the Netherlands on May 31st, followed by a match against South Korea on June 9th. These fixtures will allow Coach Appiah to assess his squad’s readiness before the tournament begins.
Ghana faces a challenging task in Group G of the World Cup, where they will compete against Germany, Portugal, and the United States. However, with a blend of experience and emerging talent, the Black Stars are confident they can make a strong run in the competition and aim to replicate their previous World Cup successes.
The 26 players named by Coach Appiah are:
Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey, Fatau Dauda, Stephen Adams
Defenders: Inkoom, Opare, Afful, Schlupp, Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Sumaila, Akaminko
Midfielders: Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Rabiu Mohammed, Kwadwo Asamoah, Agyemang-Badu, Afriyie Acquah, Christian Atsu, Albert Adomah, Andre Ayew, Wakaso Mubarak, Patrick Accam
Forwards: Asamoah Gyan, Majeed Waris, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jordan Ayew
With an experienced squad and a few exciting new faces, Ghana is set to make a splash at the 2014 World Cup. The team’s blend of skill, experience, and youth will undoubtedly be key factors as they aim to challenge the world’s best in Brazil.
