AFCON Team Profile: Profiling The Black Stars Of Ghana

By Ngome Michael

Appearing in almost every edition of the African Cup of Nations, Ghana is a heavyweight on the continent with more than 20 appearances.

Four time winers, Ghana has played the AFCON final more than any Africa Country, 5 times, with a record 5 fourth place finish. The last being in 2017 when they lost 1-0 to Burkina Faso.

Glory days for the Black Stars are fast fading. In 1963, the West African Nation clinched its first title on home soil edging Sudan 3-0 with Charles Akumi Gyamfi as head Coach.

He went ahead to claim the trophy in 1965 and made way for Fred Osman Doudu in 1978. Akumi returned in 1982 to hand Ghana its last AFCON title.

Abedi Pele, father of present day Ayew brothers, Joseph Carr, Willie Klutse, Agyemang Gyua, Kofi Pare, Mohamadu Salisu and Osie Kofi formed that formidable generation of Ghanian footballers.

The years 2008 to 2015 have been nightmarish for the Black Stars team plegued by the “near to sucess syndrome”. Within this period, the side has played in two AFCON finals and four Semi Finals.

The road to Cameroon 201 has been an easy for the Ghanians which led to the departure of frontliner CK Akonor, replace by returning Rajevac Molivan.

Lone defeat to Sudan in the qualifiers, Andre Ayew and co made it through South Africa and São Tomé to emerge top of Group C with 13points and scoring 6goals.

Despite the current tug of war between African FAs and European Clubs, returning Rajevac’s Squad list for the AFCON maintained experienced Ayew brothers, Daniel Amartey, Thomas Partey, Wakasso Mubarak, instrumental during FIFA World Cup Play-offs qualifiers.

Youngster Abdul Fatawu will be making his senior debut unlike Afena Gyan who turned down national team call-up, stating he needed more time with AS Roma. The lead trainer has however been criticized by Ghanian fans for not slecting Razak Abalora of Asante Kototo amongst his goalkeepers.

Abalora in his last seven league appearances for Kototo has managed three cleansheets and conceding more than once just against rivals King Faisal.

Despite losing to Algeria 3-0 days before kick off, Rajevac’s squad may head for the podium in Cameroon in a bid to make weary fans cheer again.

Arsenal midfieder, Thomas Partey will be one the players Rajevac will depend on most in Cameroon. Partey plays a more expensive role for Ghana, showcasing dynamism and ready at all times to progress with the ball forward.

Team captain, Andre Ayew full of experience is capable of starting in both the right and central attacking positions. Liecester City’s Daniel Amartey constitute the experience park ready to blend with new young talents.

Ghana takes on Morocco in Group C opener, in a game which is considered the toughest. A win for either side might go ahead to win the group as the duo face troubled Gabon and debutants Comoros.