Ghana Coach Kwesi Appiah Names Squad for Kenya and Mauritania Matches
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has announced his 24-man squad for the Black Stars’ upcoming matches: a crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier against Kenya on March 23 and a friendly against Mauritania on March 26. The squad sees a mix of experienced internationals and fresh faces, reflecting Appiah’s plan to balance continuity with new talent.
A notable absentee from the squad is Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time top scorer. Despite his prolific record, the veteran striker will not participate in these fixtures. His absence opens the door for other forwards to step up, including the return of Kwesi Appiah, who rejoins the national team after a three-year absence. His comeback provides an additional attacking option for the Black Stars.
The squad also features five new call-ups, including a trio from Asante Kotoko, Ghana’s sole representative in the CAF Confederation Cup this season. Their inclusion underscores the coach’s focus on giving domestic-based players an opportunity to make an impact at the international level while keeping the squad competitive and diverse.
Ghana, having already secured qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, will use the home match against Kenya at Accra’s Baba Yara Stadium as an opportunity to solidify their leadership position in the group. Coach Appiah aims to maintain the team’s momentum while integrating new talent into the squad ahead of the continental tournament.
Goalkeepers selected include Richard Ofori of Maritzburg United in South Africa, Lawrence Ati from Sochaux in France, and domestic-based keeper Felix Annan from Asante Kotoko. These choices reflect a balance between international experience and local familiarity.
The defensive line features a strong mix of international and domestic talent. Key names include Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan, Italy), Lumor Agbenyenu (Göztepe, Turkey), Andy Yiadom (Reading, England), alongside domestic players Amos Frimpong (Asante Kotoko), and Nuhu Kassim (1899 Hoffenheim, Germany). Other defenders include Nicholas Opoku (Udinese, Italy), John Boye (Metz, France), and Joseph Aidoo (Genk, Belgium), ensuring the Black Stars maintain defensive solidity with experience and youth.
The midfield boasts a combination of leadership and creativity. Veterans such as Andre Ayew (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Mubarak Wakaso (Alaves, Spain), and Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England) are joined by domestic talents like Kwame Bonsu (Asante Kotoko). Others in midfield include Ernest Asante (Al Jazira, UAE), Thomas Partey (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Alhassan Wakaso (Vitória SC, Portugal), Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace, England), and Alfred Duncan (Sassuolo, Italy). This blend provides both creativity and defensive stability in the middle of the park.
Forwards rounding out the squad include Caleb Ansah Ekuban (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, England), Emmanuel Boateng (Dalian Yifang, China), and Kwesi Appiah (AFC Wimbledon, England). With Gyan absent, these players will be expected to step up and lead the attack during the qualifiers and friendly.
Ghana now looks ahead to the March fixtures with optimism, aiming to maintain their group lead and integrate new talent while preparing for a competitive AFCON 2019 campaign.
