World Cup preview: Ghana

The Road To The World Cup

The Black Stars romped through qualifying thanks to an impressive offensive display alongside stoic defending. Their play-in game was decided in the first leg, where they crushed Egypt 6-1 in Kumasi, and eventually advanced 7-3 on aggregate. 

Group Stage Schedule 

Formation: 4-4-2

It’s all about the flanks for Ghana, who employ an array of pacey wingers and fullbacks that can get behind the opponents' defense and cause problems. Akwasi Appiah’s side is also a versatile one, however. They can play the long ball, using their size and speed to keep possession in the final third.

Manager: Akwasi Appiah

He’s a self-described ‘underdog’ and considering his competition for the Ghanian national team job, that’s a fair assessment. Appiah beat out former France international Marcel Desailly for the gig, and hasn't looked back. His contract runs until the end of the World Cup, meaning the former Ghanaian international's 'contract year' is truly under the microscope.

Projected Starting XI

GK: Fatawu Dauda

DF: Kwadwo Asamoah

DF: Jonathan Mensah

DF: John Boye

DF: Harrison Afful

MF: Mohammed Rabju

MF: Kevin Prince-Boateng

MF: Andre Ayew

MF: Sulley Muntari

FW: Majeed Waris

FW: Asamoah Gyan

Projected Substitutes

GK: Stephen Adams

GK: Adam Kwarasey 

DF: Samuel Inkoom

DF: Daniel Opare

DF: Rashid Sumalia

MF: Michael Essien

MF: Afriyie Acquah

MF: Christian Atsu

MF: Emmanuel Agyemang Badu 

MF: Albert Adomah

MF: Mubarak Wakaso

FW: Jordan Ayew

The Captain: Asamoah Gyan

He’s still here, which is saying something considering Gyan’s last moment on the world’s biggest stage. The 28-year-old was a bit player in Luis Suarez’s hand-of-god moment in Ghana’s quarterfinal versus Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup. Gyan would miss the ensuing penalty, and the Black Stars went on to lose on penalties. It’s unfortunate because the Al Ain forward has been phenomenal for his country, scoring 40 times in 79 appearances. If you’re a sports fan that wants to see a good story, root for Gyan to right some wrongs in Brazil.

The Star: Kwadwo Asamoah

Picking a ‘star’ on this team is a tough task, which can only be a good thing. Michael Essien, Kevin Prince-Boateng, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah will be the key players for the Black Stars in Brazil. Asamoah’s pace and ability to take on defenders will be critical for a side that relishes playing on the counter attack. The 24-year-old was named Africa’s most promising player in 2010, and was declared Ghana’s player of the year in 2012.

The Young Gun: Christian Atsu

Big things are expected from Atsu, who is currently on loan at Vitesse from Chelsea. The 21-year-old has put in time at all the right places, including at Porto under Andre Villas-Boas. He signed a five-year contract with Chelsea in September, and is expected to feature for the Blues as a winger with skills to match his immense pace. Atsu won his first cap for Ghana in June of 2012, and hasn’t looked back. The youngster has made 20 appearances for the Black Stars since that time, and scored four goals.

The Swan Song:  Michael Essien

He’s done it all for Ghana, and at 31, this is likely Michael Essien’s final hurrah on the international stage. Essien's place in the starting lineup is in jeopardy. Ghana, one of the youngest teams in the tournament, may not have need the veteran to log heavy minutes. 

Three Questions

1. Can Appiah find the right mix for his starting lineup considering the bevy of young talent at his disposal?
2. Will Asamoah be employed at left back instead of the midfield? 
3. Does Gyan right a wrong and lift Ghana to new heights?

Trivial Matters:

Nicknames: The Black Stars

Most caps: Richard Kingson (90)

Top scorer: Edward Acquah, Asamoah Gyan and Kwasi Owusu (40)

First international: May 28, 1950. Gold Coast 1-0 Nigeria

World Cup appearances: 3

Best World Cup result: Quarterfinal (2010)

Your moment of football