Ghana has officially announced its preliminary squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a dramatic return for striker Asamoah Gyan, who had briefly retired from international football for almost 48 hours. The Black Stars’ 29-player roster features many familiar faces, including the Ayew brothers, Christian Atsu, and John Boye, while notable absences include Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, who had been in the news leading up to the tournament.
The team will begin preparations with a training camp on June 1st in Abu Dhabi, during which they will play two friendly matches against Namibia and South Africa to fine-tune tactics and assess player form ahead of AFCON.
In the tournament draw, Ghana has been placed in Group F alongside the reigning African champions Cameroon, as well as Benin and Guinea-Bissau. The Black Stars aim to build momentum from the start, with an experienced squad capable of challenging for continental honors.
The goalkeeping department includes Richard Ofori (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (Sochaux, France), and Felix Annan (Asante Kotoko), providing a mix of domestic and international experience.
In defense, Ghana has assembled a balanced group featuring John Boye (Metz, France), Andy Yiadom (Reading, England), Abdul Baba Rahman (Reims, France), Lumor Agbenyenu (Göztepe AS, Turkey), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim, Germany), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew SC, USA), Joseph Aidoo (Genk, Belgium), Nuhu Musa (St. Gallen, Switzerland), Joseph Attamah (Başakşehir, Turkey), and Mohammed Alhassan (Hearts of Oak). This group combines defensive solidity with versatility across the backline.
The midfield offers both creativity and physicality, led by Mubarak Wakaso (Deportivo Alavés, Spain), Thomas Partey (Atlético Madrid, Spain), and Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan, Italy). Others include Ebenezer Ofori (New York FC, USA), Afriyie Acquah (Empoli, Italy), Andre Ayew (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Christian Atsu (Newcastle United, England), Samuel Owusu (Čukarički, Serbia), Thomas Agyepong (Hibernian, Scotland), Yaw Yeboah (Numancia, Spain), and Abdul Fatawu (Asante Kotoko). The midfield is well-rounded, combining defensive cover, playmaking ability, and attacking support.
Up front, the squad boasts firepower with Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor, Turkey) leading the attack alongside Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, England), Abdul Majeed Waris (Nantes, France), Caleb Ekuban (Trabzonspor, Turkey), and Kwabena Owusu (Leganés, Spain). Gyan’s experience and scoring ability will be critical for the Black Stars’ ambitions in Egypt.
With a squad blending seasoned internationals and emerging talent, Ghana aims to make a strong impression at AFCON 2019, targeting a deep run in the tournament while honoring the nation’s proud footballing tradition.
