Hamburger SV forward Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer has expressed his disappointment after missing out in the Black Stars final squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 21-year-old who has an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga 2 this campaign missed out in Otto Addo’s final 26-man squad for the global tournament following announcement on Monday in Accra.
“I was disappointed. I would have liked it. I think I deserved a nomination.” Königsdörffer said as quoted by German tabloid Bild.
The Germany-born attacker who has previously presented at Germany at youth level switched his international allegiance to play for Ghana in June.
He debuted with the Black Stars as a late substitute in a 1-0 friendly win over Nicaragua on 27 September 2022 in Lorca, Spain.
The young attacker is currently on tour to California in USA with Hamburger where he scored the only goal when they beat Orange County.
Königsdörffer scored a header in the 41st minute of the match to give Hamburger a 1-0 victory in the end in front of 4000 spectators.
It remains one of the most intense moments in the country after the country’s national football team, the Black Stars, made their third appearance at the World Cup, which was fraught with a lot of scandals.
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil saw Ghana get eliminated at the group stage of the competition, but it also came with several camp-related stories, among other stories of corruption allegations.
Recalling the moments and some of the happenings during the period, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who was the Minister of Youth and Sports, explained how he received one of his biggest blessings in disguise.
He explained that, upon the return of the team to the country and the eventual setting up of the Dzamefe Commission to look into the issues surrounding Ghana’s appearance at the Mundial, he got a unique opportunity to understand things better.
In hindsight, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah says he would not advise any politician to consider using state money to send supporters to a soccer tournament like the World Cup.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I probably should have… I should have just left it, and they would have said whatever they wanted to say, and it would have saved me a lot of headaches.
“It’s not worth it and I would advise – and I’ve been saying this that the current minister, in this economic crisis, don’t bother our supporters. If you want to go and watch the World Cup, if you have your own money, get your ticket and go. So, those were the lessons, of course, fortunately, or not, the Commission was a blessing in disguise,” he said.
Speaking to Edward Smith Anamale on GhanaWeb TV’s Election Desk, the aspiring General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said that it was during the hearings of the Dzamefe Commission that he heard some of the wildest things.
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah said that some of the allegations were so wild that they even involved stories that his wife and his mother were also implicit in some purported corrupt practices.
“There were all manner of wild stories. I’d give you just a few. There’s this story that my wife was a caterer… I mean, my wife has absolutely nothing to do with cooking; the only reason she went was because we buried her mother three weeks earlier. So, I took my wife and my two kids because the other one was in boarding school, and I bought the tickets myself –Air Portugal- and took them.
“It was not at government expense but there was the story out there. They said my mother was in charge of replica jerseys. What they didn’t know is that my mother doesn’t live in Ghana; my mother has never lived in Ghana since I was six months old. She doesn’t know the difference between a corner kick and a penalty. She has no idea so when I told her, ‘Mummy, they said you are in charge of replica jerseys, she said what is that?’ she has no idea,” he said.
Elvis Ankrah also recalled how there was news that he had paid about $2000 just for coconuts when, in actual fact, after the Commission’s hearings, it was established that he was not guilty.
He added that by the time he left office as the Minister of Youth and Sports, he was able to leave behind well over $4 million of the money the government gave them to go to the World Cup.
“I woke up one day and there was one of the papers with me sitting with some ministers, with coconut in front of us. They said coconut was $200, $2000. There was nothing about coconut. I drink coconut always because I’m a health-conscious person, and at the camp, coconut was virtually free. And even if you buy it, it’s less than $1. Nothing; it was all manufactured.
“It was later that I got to know that there were some unseen hands behind it but I keep saying that if those things had not happened, and especially if the commission had not been put in place, and a report officially there, which shows clearly I was audited by Ernst and Young… by the time I was leaving office, the World Cup money itself, which government gave to us, $4.444 million was left in the account,” he explained.
Ghana, who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
The West African powerhouse will play Portugal on November 24 in its first game before taking on South Korea and the epic clash against Uruguay.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the former Juventus star asserted the Black Stars admitted it is going to be difficult considering the group but did not rule Ghana out of the tournament.
“It’s going to be difficult, 2006 when we went to the World Cup in Germany we were underdogs”, Appiah tells Al Jazeera.
“We played against Italy we lost our first game and beat Czech Republic 2-0 who were number two in the world, played USA, number 5 in the world, we beat them. We are capable of doing that. We have to take it game after game”.
Appiah added: “We play Portugal and not thinking about Uruguay. We concentrate on Portugal game and see what will happen. Our players are good”.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
Otto Addo, head coach of the Black Stars, has said that his squad will exploit his opponents’ weaknesses in the 2022 World Cup group stage in Qatar.
Qatar will host the World Cup from November 20 until December 18, 2022. After the tournament in South Korea and Japan in 2002, this will be the second World Cup completely hosted in Asia and the first World Cup to ever be held in the Arab world. Furthermore, the tournament is planned to be the last with a 32-team field; for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026, the field is planned to grow to 48 teams.
The Black Stars of Ghana is in Group H alongside Uruguay, Portugal, and South Korea. Ghana will play Portugal on 24th November at the Stadium 974, South Korea on 28th November at the Education City Stadium, and play their final group game against Uruguay on 2nd December at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Speaking after the official announcement of Ghana’s final squad Otto Addo said:
“It’s up to us and how we adapt to their playing style, how we stop them, how we work together as a team. We need to play intelligent football, exploit our opponents’ weaknesses and bring our own strengths to the fore,”
According to reports, Ghana will train at the famous Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar.
The Black Stars of Ghana will take on Switzerland in an international friendly on November 17th in UAE.
Below is Ghana’s full squad:
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Abdul Nurudeen, Ibrahim Danlad
Defenders: Denis Odoi, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Daniel Amartey, Joseph Aidoo, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul-Rahman Baba, Gideon Mensah
Midfielders: André Ayew, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Salis Abdul Samed, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh
Forwards Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Kamal Sowah, Issahaku Abdul Fatawu, Osman Bukari, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulema
The team will stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates for four days where they will play an International friendly against Switzerland at the Baniyas club stadium on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Twenty-three players have reported to camp with the rest expected to arrive Tuesday afternoon.
They include Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Danlad Ibrahim, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Nurudeen Abdul Manaf, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Salis Abdul Samed, Elisha Owusu, Kamal Sowah, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Osman Bukari, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Mohammed Kudus, and Daniel Kofi Kyereh.
Joseph Aidoo, Alexander Djiku and Kamal Deen Sulemana are expected to team up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday.
The Black Stars will train on Tuesday evening in preparation for the friendly against Switzerland on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the Baniyas club stadium.
Ghana will compete with Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in the Group stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 which kicks off on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
Black Stars held their first training session in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with 25 players taking part as they prepare for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to 3Sports’ Yaw Ofosu Larbi, the only player yet to report to the Black Stars camp is Celta Vigo defender Joseph Aidoo. He is expected later on Tuesday.
Freiburg midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh trained normally with the group, confirming his recovery from a fever that forced him to miss the German club’s last three games before the World Cup break.
The training took place at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Complex under the supervision of head coach Otto Addo, who was assisted by other members of the Black Stars technical team.
Ghana Football Association officials, including president Kurt Okraku and Black Stars management committee member Sammy Kuffour, were spotted at the training session.
Black Stars will train again on Wednesday before facing Switzerland in an international friendly on Thursday.
Ghana’s first World Cup match will be against Portugal on November 24, followed by other group games against South Korea and Uruguay.
Former Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom says he was not surprised of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s inclusion in Ghana’s World Cup final squad.
Barnieh, who been instrumental for the Phobians was included in the 26-man squad for the mundial released on Monday and will compete in his first World Cup with the Black Stars.
The Black Meteors captain was among the two-home based players to have made Coach Otto Addo’s final 26-man squad for the tournament.
Afriyie-Barnieh was with his teammates and coach when the squad was announced on Monday, November 14.
According to Inkoom, Barnieh’s inclusion in the Black Stars did not come as a surprise to him due to his outstanding performance for Hearts of Oak.
“I’m happy for him because you can see that he is doing very well and I’m surprised that he is in the squad. I think when you are doing a good job, you deserve to be honoured. In my opinion I am very happy for him but the most important thing is that he has to believe in himself, he has go there and show that he can do it and I believe he can do it”
“He has a lot of potential but what he has to do is to stay focus, work hard and I think that the sky will be his limit” he said.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
Black Stars trio Joseph Aidoo, Alexander Djiku and Kamal Deen Sulemana may miss the team’s first training session today, Tuesday.
The three are yet to link up with the rest of the squad in Abu Dhabi as the team begins preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
According to reports, 23 players have reported to camp and arrived in the Arab country on Monday evening.
The players currently in camp include, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Danlad Ibrahim, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Nurudeen Abdul Manaf, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah.
The rest are Alidu Seidu, Salis Abdul Samed, Elisha Owusu, Kamal Sowah, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Osman Bukari, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Mohammed Kudus, and Daniel Kofi Kyereh.
The team will stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates for four days where they will play an International friendly against Switzerland at the Baniyas club stadium on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Coach Otto Addo announced his 26-man squad on Monday with several notable names dropped due to injury or loss of form.
Danish Superliga side, FC Nordsjaelland have reacted to the inclusion of former players Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana in the final Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement, the club has congratulated the attacking duo and wished the Black Stars good luck at the upcoming mundial.
“Congratulations, @Kamaldeenho10 and @KudusMohammed. And good luck to @GhanaBlackstars in the World Cup,” a post on the Twitter page of FC Nordsjaelland said on Monday, November 14.
𝐊𝐔𝐃𝐔𝐒 𝐎𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐕𝐌 🇬🇭
Stort tillykke til Kamaldeen Sulemana og Mohammed Kudus, der mandag er blevet udaget til Ghanas VM-trup 💪🐯
Below is the full Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
Goalkeepers:
Ibrahim Danlad (Asante Kotoko SC)
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (KAS Eupen)
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (FC St. Gallen)
Defenders:
Daniel Amartey (Leicester City)
Mohammed Salisu (Southampton)
Alexander Djiku (RC Strasbourg)
Alidu Seidu (Clermont Foot)
Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Abdul Rahman Baba (Reading FC)
Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre)
Denis Odoi (Club Brugge)
Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo)
Midfielders:
Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens)
Thomas Teye Partey (Arsenal FC)
Elisha Owusu (KAA Gent)
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh (Hearts of Oak)
Kamal Sowah (Club Brugge)
Mohammed Kudus (Ajax Amsterdam)
Andre Ayew (Al Sadd SC)
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (SC Freiburg)
Attackers:
Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade)
Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Sporting Lisbon)
Kamaldeen Sulemana (Stade Rennes)
Antoine Selorm Semenyo (Bristol City)
Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be one of five African countries representing the continent.
The Black Stars will compete in Group H of the group stages of the tournament. In that group, Ghana will battle it out with two-time champions Uruguay, as well as European giants Portugal.
The other group opponent is South Korea from Asia.
While the 2022 FIFA World Cup will commence on Sunday, November 20, Ghana’s Black Stars will play their first match on November 24.
Subsequently, Ghana will take on South Korea on November 28 before finishing the group stages campaign with a rematch against Uruguay.
La Liga outfit Real Mallorca has posted a message of support for midfielder Baba Iddrisu who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury.
The Black Stars midfielder started for his club in their matchday 14 encounters against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La Liga.
Unfortunately, he could not finish the first half of the intense encounter. In added time, he limped off and had to be substituted during the break.
After further examination, Baba Iddrisu will spend some time on the sidelines to recover club insiders told footballghana.com
This injury came as a huge blow for Black Stars coach Otto Addo ahead of the Mundial because he has been present in most of the games played under the Dortmund tactician.
The 27-year-old midfielder has made eleven appearances in the Spanish top flight this season.
Baba Iddrisu made his debut for the senior national team the Black Stars on 14th November 2019. The former Leganes B midfielder has played 18 times for the Black Stars.
The club took to its official Twitter page to tweet:
“Example of fight and delivery. The sun will shine again. The future is yours,”
The Black Stars of Ghana is in Group H alongside Uruguay, Portugal, and South Korea. Ghana will play Portugal on 24th November at the Stadium 974, South Korea on 28th November at the Education City Stadium, and play their final group game against Uruguay on 2nd December at the Al Janoub Stadium.
According to reports, Ghana will train at the famous Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar.
The Black Stars of Ghana will take on Switzerland in an international friendly on November 17 in UAE before flying to Qatar.
Arsenal’s in form midfielder has been named in Ghana’s final squad for the 2022 World Cup which will be held from November 20th and end on December 18th.
Partey was born in Krobo Odumase and came up through the youth ranks of local team Odometah. After a brief stint with Leganes, he joined Atlético Madrid in 2012 and was dropped to the reserves a year later.
Partey was called up to the main team for the match against Real Sociedad on March 10, 2013. He did not, however, play in the final 0-1 home defeat.
On November 28, 2015, he made his Atlético Madrid debut, replacing Luciano Vietto in a 1-0 home win over Espanyol. On 2 January of the following year, he scored his first league goal for the club, scoring the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Levante at home. On May 28, he appeared in the UEFA Champions League Final against Real Madrid, coming on in the 116th minute to replace Koke as his team lost on penalties.
On October 31 2017, Partey scored his first European goal with a long-range strike to equalize at home against Qarabag in a 1-1 draw in the Champions League group game, becoming the club’s first African to do so.
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Partey on a long-term contract on 5 October 2020, after triggering his £45 million release clause with Atlético Madrid.
Partey made his Arsenal debut as a substitute for Granit Xhaka in a 0-1 league away loss against Manchester City on October 17, 2020.
Partey scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa on October 22, 2021.
Partey was called up to the Ghana national team for the first time by manager Avram Grant in May 2016, ahead of a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Mauritius. On June 5, he made his debut, replacing Frank Acheampong for the final 11 minutes of a 2-0 away win.
The former Atlético Madrid midfielder has made 40 appearances for the Black Stars of Ghana and scored 13 goals.
Charlton Athletic have expressed disappointment in Jojo Wollcott’s 2022 World Cup miss due to injury setback.
Wollacot, who plies his trade for English League One club, Charlton Athletic goalkeeper was ruled out of the tournament after picking up an injury.
The 25-year-old pulled out of the Burton Albion clash on Saturday after injury to his finger in the warm up.
Since his debut in 2021, Wollacot has featured 11 times for the national team.
According to Ben Garner, who is the manager of Charlton Athletic, the club is totally disappointed in the Wollacot’s World Cup miss and has therefore backed him to recover from his disappointment.
“Everyone at the club is bitterly disappointed for Jojo. He played such an important part in Ghana getting to the World Cup and we all know how much he was looking forward to it. For the injury to happen so close to the tournament and in such innocuous fashion is very cruel.
“My understanding is that following surgery he will still meet up with the Ghana squad and remain a key member of their travelling party. Knowing Jojo as I do he will respond to this setback with great maturity and a determination to come back even stronger. I think the world of him both as a person and as a player. It goes without saying that Jojo will receive our full love, care and support throughout this coming period.”
Ghana will open camp in Abu Dhabi on Monday, November 14 before taking on Switzerland on November 17 in a pre-World Cup friendly.
The team is expected to fly Doha on November 19 before their opening game against European powerhouse, Portugal.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, has called out the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over the absence of some key players in the squad for the 2022 World Cup tournament.
In a tweet on Monday, following the unveiling of the 26-man squad by Otto Addo, Stonebwoy could not understand why the list did not reveal the some players who could assist Ghana claim this year’s trophy.
He believes this is due to what he describes as “PayToPay” which goes to suggest bribery and corruption-related activities.
Stonebwoy, however, did not reveal the identities of the players he expected to be in the squad heading to Qatar but were not included.
This comes after President Akufo-Addo cautioned the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to desist from interfering with the Black Stars team selection for the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.
The President issued the warning on Thursday, October 20, 2022, when the GFA paid a courtesy call at the Presidency.
The Black Stars technical team is mandated to select the players fit to represent the country, however, there are rumors of GFA interference.
According to the President, such grapevines must not materialise in Qatar this November.
For Stonebwoy, the GFA did not adhere to the President’s directive.
Andre Dede Ayew will be leading the senior national football team to Qatar.
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Danlad, Lawrence Ati Zigi and Manaf Nurudeen.
Defenders: Alexander Djiku, Salisu Mohammed, Daniel Amertey, Tariq Lamptey, Gideon Mensah, Baba Rahman, Dennis Odoi, Alidu Seidu and Joseph Aidoo.
Midfielders: Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Salid Abdul Samed and Daniel Afriyie Barnie.
Attackers: Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Kamal Sowah, Issahaku Abdul Fatawu, Osman Bukari, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Ghana will open camp in Abu Dhabi and will take on Switzerland on November 17 before flying to Doha for the tournament on November 19.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper, Danlad Ibrahim has been named in the final Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The young shot-stopper is one of 26 players included in the squad list officially announced by Ghana head coach Otto Addo on Monday, November 14.
The 19-year-old was born on December 2, 2022, and spent his early days learning the sport at Sunyani Hamburg SV.
With vast experience playing for various national teams, Danlad Ibrahim has gone through the mill and is now going to the World Cup as a reward for his consistency over the last few years.
Not only did Asante Kotoko excel in the Ghana U17 team at the youth level but has he also been superb for the U20 and U23 tea in recent times.
Danlad Ibrahim currently is playing his football in the Ghana Premier League, a team he has been contracted to for so many years.
Even in his teenage years, Danlad Ibrahim is already a Ghana Premier League winner with the Porcupine Warriors.
The goalkeeper is also an Africa U-20 Cup of Nations winner in 2021 and a WAFU Zone B U-20 Tournament winner in 2020.
Danlad is just one of two Ghana Premier League players going to the 2022 FIFA World Cup with the Black Stars.
The other player is Hearts of Oak’s poster boy Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.
Below is the full Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
Ghana coach, Otto Addo says players that have made it to the final list can aid the Black Stars to survive at the group phase of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
A final list for the Mundial have been named for the by Addo on Monday.
With Richard Ofori and Jojo Wollacott missing out due to injuries, Ibrahim Danlad has made the final list.
With Ghana expected to come up against Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in the group stage games, Addo says the plan is to survive group stage.
He added that the players selected for the tournament will help the team achieve it target.
The first aim is to survive the group stage; we have a very good squad,” he said during the announcement of the final squad at the Multichoice Office in Accra.
“I am a coach who can change my tactics mid-game if need be to win games!
“We have a very good mix of players who can play to win and I am very happy with the technical staff who are behind me to provide support at the World Cup 2022,” he added.
Ghana will open camp in Abu Dhabi today and will take on Switzerland on November 17 in a friendly game.
The Black Stars, who are making their fourth World Cup appearance, will arrive in Doha on November 19.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars will return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars, having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018, will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Spanish side Celta Vigo have reacted to the inclusion of defender Joseph Aidoo to the Black Stars squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
Aidoo has been named in Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament which begins in Qatar in six days’ time
The German-based trainer, Otto Addo announced his final team on Monday during a press conference in Accra after pruning down from the 55-man preliminary squad.
The final list will be submitted to FIFA on Monday, November 14 with the highest football governing body announcing it the next day.
The squad list included the Aidoo who has been in a rich vein of form the Celta Vigo this season.
Ghana will open camp in Abu Dhabi on Monday, November 14 before taking on Switzerland on November 17 in a pre-World Cup friendly.
The team is expected to fly Doha on November 19 before their opening game against European powerhouse, Portugal.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Ghana international, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is racing to get fit in time to make the final Black Stars squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The SC Freiburg forward is one of 55 players submitted to FIFA by Ghana head coach Otto Addo in his provisional squad.
Unfortunately, he could miss the World Cup due to an injury that has seen him miss a number of games at club level.
Today, the unfit attacking midfielder was not in action when SC Freiburg whipped Union Berlin 4-1 in the German Bundesliga.
This has raised more concern on his fitness level with reports indicating that he will need to be assessed one last time before Ghana’s last pre-tournament friendly match.
Meanwhile, Ghana head coach Otto Addo is set to announced his final 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Monday, November 14.
The announcement will put an end to the speculations that has dominated the media in the past week.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ghana has been pitted in Group H where the Black Stars will play their first match against Portugal on November 24.
Subsequently, Ghana will take on South Korea and Uruguay to conclude the group stages of the Qatar tournament.
Ex-Ghana international, Razak Brimah has indicated his readiness to slot in for any of the injured Black Stars players ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of the start of this year’s global showpiece, Ghana has been hit with various injury setbacks which has left head coach Otto Addo sweating on his final squad for the tournament.
As already reported by your most trusted football online portal in the country, goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Joseph Wollacott have both sustained various injuries that is set is set to rule them out of the upcoming comment.
In the midst of the injury concern, veteran Ghana goalkeeper Razak Brimah is pleading for a chance to return to the Black Stars.
According to the goalkeeper, he is on standby if his services are needed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“Always ready for the motherland,” Razak Brimah has said in a post on his social media.
Ghana’s Black Stars have been dealt a massive blow as first and second choice goalkeeping duo of Jojo Wollacot and Richard Ofori have been ruled out of the World Cup because of injury, Footballghana.com can report.
Wollacot pulled out in Charlton Athletics 3-3 draw against Burton Albion on Saturday after injury his finger in the warm up.
A close source has told Footballghana.com the former Swindon Town shot stopper suffered what seems to be a serious injury and has been ruled out of the biggest soccer mundial to be staged in Qatar.
Meanwhile, the second vice captain of the national team who was not in action for Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier League will miss the tournament.
As a result, Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim has been handed late call up to the Black Stars.
The former Ghana U-20 goalkeeper who was named in the 55-man provisional squad lists was initially dropped by the technical handlers of the Black Stars.
But recent injuries to first and second choice goalkeepers of the national team have boosted Danlad Ibrahim’s chances of making his first World Cup appearance.
The biggest soccer mundial has been scheduled for November and December this year, with 32 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in Qatar.
Ghana will open their World Cup account against Portugal before taking Uruguay and South Korea respectively.
The Black Stars will announce their final squad on Monday, November 14.
Ghana is making a return to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018, where France emerged as winners.
Ghana coach, Otto Addo is set to make late changes in his squad for the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Addo, 44, is scheduled to announce the Black Stars’ final 26-man squad for the Mundial having released a 55-man provisional squad last week.
With less than 24 hours to name the squad, key players have suffered an injury that has ruled them out of the World Cup.
Charlton Athletic goalkeeper and Ghana’s first choice, Jojo Wollacott has been ruled out of the tournament after picking up an injury on Saturday.
The 25-year-old suffered a finger injury against Burton Albion and club insiders have told Footballghana.com that the former Swondown Twon goalkeeper will miss the Mundial.
Orlando Pirate goalkeeper, Richard Ofori is also set to miss the tournament in the Asian country with an injury.
The injury was confirmed by Pirates as the team prepared to play arch-rival Kaizer Chiefs in the semifinals of this season’s Black Label Cup tournament.
Ofori is one of three Orlando Pirates players on the team’s injury list with the other two being defenders Thabiso Monyane and Innocent Maela.
However, a club source speaking to Footballghana.com confirmed the former Wa All Stars goalie will miss the tournament.
Real Mallorca midfielder, Baba Iddrisu has also been ruled out of the tournament.
The dynamic midfielder suffered an injury against Athletico Madrid on Thursday and after several scans conducted, the 25-year-old has been ruled out of the tournament, a club insider told footballghana
Otto Addo is now set to make late changes in his squad as he prepares to officially release the list on Monday mornin
Ghana will open camp in Abu Dhabi and will take on Switzerland on November 17 before flying to Doha for the tournament on November 19.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Ghanaian forward Isaac Nuhu scored for KAS Eupen in their 5-5 draw against Zulte Waregem in the Belgian First Division A on Saturday.
Nuhu, who was booked for a foul put up an impressive display to help his side seal a vital away point in the last round of games before the break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The 20-year-old lasted the entire duration of the game at the Elindus Arena.
He scored his side’s 3rd goal as they took a 3-2 lead heading into the first half. He found the back of the net in the 41st minute after he was assisted by Konan N’Dri, who scored Eupen first goal.
After the recess, the hosts scored three goals with the away team scoring two as the game ended in a 5-5 draw.
Nuhu has now scored two goals and provided one assist in 15 league games this season for KAS Eupen
Two of the three sons—Andre Dede Ayew and Jordan Ayew—of one of the greatest players to have ever represented Ghana’s Black Stars, the maestro Abedi Ayew, seem to consistently incite conflict among Ghanaians whenever the Black Stars are involved in a match.
Some fans contend that they no longer play well enough to merit call-ups. These calls ought to go to fresh faces who are more capable and ready to compete. Others believe that since they are two of our most crucial players, their call-ups are merited.
There shouldn’t, in my opinion, be such a significant rift over the brothers’ selection for Ghana’s World Cup team. I’ll explain why.
Dede Ayew
The older of the two, Dede Ayew, made his international debut for Ghana in 2007 while still a teenager. He has now progressed to captain the Black stars. He has 109 caps and has scored 23 goals for his country. Nobody embodies commitment and passion more than Dede Ayew, the team’s current captain.
He is constantly willing to put in a lot of effort and sweat to ensure the success of the nation. A player’s call-up to his national team is always an honor, and Dede always gives his best effort when he receives that call-up. His leadership skills and drive to inspire his teammates to step up their game when they are struggling are excellent qualities to have on the team.
Many spectators mock him and label him “choirmaster” for his clapping and hand motions on the field, failing to recognize the psychological impact it may have on the players. As team captain, he also serves as the coach’s mouthpiece. When a player makes a mistake that costs the team a goal or wastes a significant scoring opportunity, he serves as the initial source of encouragement for the players.
Earning over 100 caps for Ghana is no small feat. He has played in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), as well as seven Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021), helping them finish runners-up in 2010 and 2015, and was top goalscorer at the latter tournament.
This demonstrates the caliber of player he is and the range of experience he brings to the team. No other squad member has this much international tournament experience. Dede Ayew has played for teams who have won championships and teams that have faced relegation throughout his club career.
He worked hard for victory in relegation battles and scored several crucial goals when it mattered most. Although the Black Stars group includes opponents like Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea, it is never impossible. He is a very good option off the bench when the stars are chasing the game, even if he is not named in the starting 11. His heading ability is very underrated. He can move well off the ball to attack the proper gaps for crosses and even tower over larger, taller defenders to score goals.
Jordan Ayew
The youngest of the three Ayew brothers, Jordan, made his senior debut for Ghana in a 2010 victory against Swaziland in an AFCON Qualification match. Since then, he has consistently played for the national side. He has 83 total caps for the Black Stars and has scored 19 goals, 4 less than his brother Dede. Jordan is a dependable player for Crystal Palace at the club level, starting 10 games and substituting in the other 3 this season.
This demonstrates his level of involvement. He plays a very tactical role in assisting players like Wilfried Zaha to succeed, as can be shown by looking at some of his games this season. When Jordan Ayew is played on the right wing, Zaha remains high and wide as the danger on the counterattack, therefore giving Jordan greater defensive responsibilities. When Palace decides to defend in a mid or low block, Jordan tucks into midfield as needed. He is a crucial member of Patrick Viera’s team thanks to his tactical prowess.
Jordan can be utilized similarly or more offensively for the national team because he can also play as a striker. When switching plays or struggling to build out of defense, his holdup play might make him a viable target for long balls. There is no truth to the many Ghanaians’ complaints that he is sluggish and lazy.
He is among the most diligent forwards you will come across. His dedication and perseverance make him a very special profile to have in front of the press. Whatever your personal opinion of the brothers may be, if they are not called up, their very specific profiles will be missed.
With so many new players on the team, Andre Dede Ayew’s leadership, wisdom, and passion are desperately needed. Players who have participated in international competitions before and have excelled should absolutely be included because more than half of the players will be making their debuts there.
Jordan Ayew also possesses the tactical adaptability to enable the coach to make specific tactical modifications throughout a game as needed.
All in all, you don’t just get rid of your captain, your most experienced players, and two of your top scorers when heading into a tournament. It is essential to gradually replace older players who aren’t providing their best while giving new players time and encouragement to step into those large shoes as the team continues to establish a solid foundation for the years to come. New and young players are frequently overwhelmed by too much pressure.
To sum up, the Ayew brothers always play with passion for the Black Stars because they love their country. Whatever the opinions of the supporters, if they are not included in the squad, they will be missed during the world cup.
Rangers, who performed woefully in this season’s UEFA Champions League want to beef up their striking department with the acquisition of the 22-year-old.
Semenyo is currently contracted to the English Championship side where he is having a good time.
This season, the striker has been hampered with injuries but has still played a key role for the club.
Semenyo has played 15 games in the English Championship, scored three goals and provided one assist in the process.
Song Min-gyu’s goal in the first half gave South Korea a 1-0 victory over Iceland in South Korea’s last friendly game at the Hwaseong Sports Complex Main Stadium on Friday and brought an end to all programs before the 2022 World Cup which will be held in Doha, Qatar.
A 3-4-3 formation was used by South Korea at first. Song Min-kyu and Kwon Chang-hoon were to the left and right of Jo Gyu-seong, who was in the front. Baek Seung-ho and Jung Woo-young collaborated in midfield, and Hong-cheol and Yoon Jong-gyu were assigned to play left and right wingback, respectively. Park Ji-soo, Kwon Kyung-won, and Kim Young-kwon made up the back three line. Kim Seung-gyu was the goalkeeper.
South Korea took the lead in the 32nd minute of the first half. Min-gyu Song scored a header after receiving a cross from Jo Kyu-seong.
South Korea will take on the Black Stars of Ghana on the 28th of November
Chelsea forward, Callum Hudson-Odoi will not be representing any country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup although he is eligible to play for both England and Ghana.
The talented youngster has according to reports held talks with officials from Ghana over the possibility of finally switching his allegiance to play for the Black Stars.
However, per close sources, the player who is currently on loan at German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen decided to snub Ghana at this point in time.
Although he knows saying yes to Ghana would have earned him a place in the Black Stars squad for the world cup, it is understood that he opted to keep his chances open with the England national team.
The forward believes he still has a good chance of becoming a key player for the Three Lions and hence wants to be open.
While he has been snubbed by England head coach Gareth Southgate for this year’s world cup, Callum Hudson-Odoi is confident that he will excel at Bayer Leverkusen this season to merit a place in the England squad for the next assignments after the world cup.
The Ghana Football Association in collaboration with the Ghana Airports Company Limited and DPP Outdoor Limited have branded the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) with Black Stars materials to excite the traveling public and visitors.
Images of players of the senior national team, the Black Stars in cut-out mannequins and visuals on airport LED screens are means of ensuring that patrons of the airport will have a feel of Ghana’s 4th participation at the World Cup.
The mannequins which have been displayed at the Terminal 3 of the Airport, were done with support from Advertising giants DDP Outdoor Limited and the Ghana Airport Company.
The cut-outs were made from pictures taken from Ghana’s last two friendly matches against Brazil and Nicaragua which saw the Black Stars outdooring the jerseys they will wear for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Travellers who patronize the Airport have been taking pictures with the mannequins of the Black Stars players at the Arrival and Departure halls of the Airport.
The Ghana Airport Company will provide space for the display at the Airport throughout the duration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the next home match of the Black Stars in March, 2023.
The senior national team will commence camping for the World Cup on Monday, November 14, 2022 in Abu Dhabi before travelling to their team base in Doha, Qatar for the Mundial.
Head Coach Otto Addo will announce his 26-man squad for the tournament on Monday, November 14, 2022 in Accra.
Son Heung-min, a forward for Tottenham, has been added to South Korea‘s 26-man World Cup squad after the player declared himself fit.
The squad was announced by Paulo Bento former coach of Portugal. He also stated that he is talking to Tottenham’s medical staff and doesn’t know when South Korea’s number 7 will start training.
“We are in contact with him and the Tottenham medical service. We don’t have the exact day when he can train with the team. We have to wait, we have to analyze his condition from day to day. We have time to decide. The most important thing is that he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will make the final decision,” Bento said.
South Korea is in Group H with Ghana, Portugal, and Uruguay.
Below is the full squad:
Goalkeepers : Kim Seung-gyu (Al-Shabab/KSA), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Motors), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan)
Defenders : Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka/JPN), Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Motors), Kim Min-jae (Naples/ITA), Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan), Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Motors), Kim Tae -Hwan (Ulsan), Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul), Cho Yu-min (Daejeon Hana Citizen), Hong Chul (Daegu FC)
Midfielders : Kwon Chang-hoon (Gimcheon Sangmu), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Motors), Lee Kang-in (Real Mallorca/ESP) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz/GER). Jeong Woo-yeong (Freiburg/GER), Hwang In-beom (Olympiakos/GRE), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers/England), Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Jun-ho (Shandong Taishan/ CHN), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul)
“My expectation is high. I have got so much confidence in this team especially if you look at the technical team. They are experienced enough to know how to deal with a lot of situations,” he told TV3.
“Their experience will reflect in the players and then the two games they played against Nigeria tell me that the sky is the limit for the Black Stars. Going into Qatar, we have great players.”
“It’s a matter of playing more games together before the World Cup and we’ll be able to have a team. I believe the technical men will turn things around going forward,” he added.
Ghana coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final 26-man squad for the World Cup on Monday.
Netherlands announced their squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Friday, omitting Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.
The forward is not included in Luis Van Gal’s 26-man squad for the biggest soccer mundial to be staged in Qatar next week.
This means the former RB Leipzig can still feature for the Black Stars in subsequent tournaments.
After the World Cup, Ghana is expected to continue pursuing for the enterprising forward for future competitions.
Brian Brobbey, who made a return to Ajax in the summer still has the chance of playing for the Black Stars in the future.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong who is on the radar of the Ghana FA has made the list for the mundial, there is no chance for the Bayer Leverkusen defender to play for the Black Stars.
Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan says Ghanaians are their own enemies ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar later this month.
The former Sunderland player has reacted to the recent brouhaha surrounding Black Stars recent call-up for the upcoming FIFA Mundial.
He was the main striker for the Black Stars when they made their first-ever appearance in Germany 2006 and scored the country’s first-ever goal at the tournament.
He was named Ghana’s captain ahead of the 2014 edition when Ghana exited the competition at the group stages and was the only time Ghana failed to qualify from the Group stages.
Being in Doha, the Ghana Football Association have reportedly settled on DoubleTree by Hilton – Doha Downtown as the team hotel for the Black Stars during the World Cup.
The ‘Only All Suites DoubleTree in Doha’ is one of the over 600 hotels owned by DoubleTree by Hilton spread across the globe.
The DoubleTree by Hilton – Doha Downtown is 10 minutes from the city center, Mushreib Museum, Souq Waqif, and the National Museum of Qatar.
Ghana will play its first game against the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal team on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Stadium 974 before taking on Korea and Uruguay respectively.
Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah has revealed that the camp of the Black Stars was terrible after Laryea Kingston was dropped from the squad ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
Having missed out in 2006 due to suspension, Laryea was hoping to make the Black Stars squad for the Mundial in South Africa.
However, he was again dropped for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by coach Milovan Rajevac despite being part of a provisional squad that camped in France ahead of the tournament.
Appiah, who was the skipper of the side at the time, has disclosed that the mood around camp was terrible after the winger’s axe.
“In France 2010 when Laryea Kingston was dropped, it was very difficult because when we talk about the World Cup, Laryea Kingston was one of the players who made it possible for Ghana. In 2006 he couldn’t get a chance to go to Germany,” Appiah told JoyNews.
“In 2010 we camped in France and he was dropped, it was bad to see Laryea Kingston that evening. It was difficult because you don’t know what was going through his head that night because he did everything possible for the team to qualify.
“I went to his room with Richard Kingson his brother and it was terrible. I went to sleep thinking of Laryea Kingston, it was bad, very bad.”
Laryea was a mainstay in the Black Stars between 2002 and 2010, making 41 appearances and scoring six goals.
Wilson Arthur, MTN FA Cup committee chairman has urged Ghanaians to support Black Stars coach Otto Addo ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Some Ghanaians and pundits have described Otto Addo as a part-time coach and others have questioned his coaching abilities.
According to Wilson Arthur supporters should have faith in Otto Addo and also allow him to select players for the tournament.
“The coaches we have given them a job their job is to take Ghana and perform. God been so good they have secured qualification for us. The matches we played with Nigeria we thought we will not qualify especially playing a goalless draw here. We went there and played a formation and system which gave us the qualification,” he said on Peace FM as monitored by footballghana.com
“He has plotted his formation and system he will use at the World Cup. When you analyze his second half is always good. It tells you that at least he can read the game and change things. Left to me we should have faith in him he should select players that are strategically fit to his system he wants to play,”
“When he goes and the team doesn’t perform if they know how to play we always know how to watch. If we see that what he is doing is not good then we can question him but those he will select that is not our area,”
The Ghana Football Association have confirmed that there will be a live press conference for Black Stars coach, Otto Addo to announcement his final 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In a communique sighted by GhanaWeb, the GFA announced Monday, November 14, 2022, as the day Black Stars coach, Otto Addo will announce his final World Cup squad to Ghanaians live on TV.
According to grapevine, Felix Afena-Gyan, Mubarak Wakaso, John Painstil, Majeed Ashimeru, and Jeffrey Schlupp are the major names dropped from the 55-man squad.
They will begin their World Cup campaign against Portugal on November 24, followed by South Korea on November 28, and conclude against Uruguay on December 2 at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra.
Ghana international, Baba Iddrisuhas suffered an injury in Spain while in action for RCD Mallorca.
The midfielder started for his club today in a matchday 14 encounter against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La Liga.
Unfortunately, he could not finish the first half of the contest. In injury time, he limped off and had to be substituted during the break.
While the extent of the injury is yet to be ascertained, the news of the injury is a major blow for Ghana ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Spain-based midfielder is one of the main midfielders Coach Otto Addo has decided to include in his final 26-man squad for the mundial in Qatar.
Should he miss the tournament because of the latest injury, Ghana will suffer dearly in midfield especially since he has become the main defensive midfielder for the Black Stars in recent times.
He will undergo an assessment on Thursday to know the extent of the injury.
Ghana striker, Jordan Ayew is set to sign a new two-year deal at Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old will sign the deal before heading to the World Cup in Qatar with the Black Stars.
Jordan was expected to leave the club this summer but the head coach for the side, Patrick Vieira wants the striker to stay at the club.
The former Swansea City forward will sign a deal until 2024. He has been pivotal for the Eagles in the ongoing season.
Jordan has been deployed to play in different position by Vieira.
Jordan Ayew has so far made a total of 14 appearances for the club but he is yet to find the back of the net.
He is expected to feature against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup tonight.
The striker has been named in Ghana’s provisional squad for the Mundial in Qatar but he is expected to make the final 26-man squad for the tournament that is expected to be named on November 14 by Otto Addo, who is the head coach of the Black Stars.
Former Ghana international, John Paintsil, has said the Black Stars are capable of playing in the semifinal of the 2022 World Cup if they get the needed support.
After a poor showing in the 2014 Mundial in Brazil and failing to make it to the last edition in Russia, Ghana has returned to the global showpiece for the fourth time.
The Black Stars, who will hope for a better and improved performance have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
Ghana, who are heading to the 22nd edition of the Mundial as the lowest-ranked team has been tipped not to go beyond the group phase.
However, Paintsil, who played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup implored the players to approach the tournament game by game.
According to him, the team has what it takes to play in the semifinal but has called on Ghanaians to unite and support the playing body.
“As an experienced ex-international, I will urge the players to take one game at a time. Despite having some history with Uruguay, we have two other teams to play in the group, so I think we should take it game by game,” he told GNA.
“Black Stars can go far, we have been there several times and we have the experience. We deserve to get to the semi-final or final. I believe coming together to support and believe in the boys can motivate them,” he added. Ghana will open camp on November 10 before Otto Addo names his final 26-man squad on November 14.
The Black Stars will play a test game against Switzerland on November 17 before heading to Doha on November 19.
Following his superb performance in Tuesday night’s 2-0 English Championship loss to Watford, Reading manager Paul Ince showered praise on Ghanaian left-back Abdul Baba Rahman.
One of the Royals’ brighter spots at Vicarage Road was the 28-year-old, who played the full game.
Baba Rahman has featured in nine league games for Reading so far this season.
“Some of the decision making left me dumbfounded at times – [I am thinking] what do you see when you make that decision? But they did try, gave their all, Rahman was excellent,” Ince said in post-match interview.
“It’s always a tough place to come. We’ve played six out of the top nine now so we won’t be judged on Watford, Burnley and teams like that. It’s teams around us where we need to pick up points against.”
The Chelsea loanee has been included in Ghana’s 55-man provisional squad which will be whittled down to 26 players.
Black Stars have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
Laryea Kingston, a former winger for Ghana, thinks the Black Stars would do admirably at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The four-time African champions, who missed the most recent tournament in Russia in 2018, have returned to the World Cup.
In response to their recent underwhelming performance, the Black Stars have faced criticism.
However, Laryea believes the technical team led by Otto Addo will be able to lead the side to perform.
“I am however very optimistic about a good outing at the World Cup,” he told GNA Sports. “We have a solid technical team because they work in an elite environment, so they know what is at stake.
“Most of the technical team members have been to the World Cup, so they know what is at stake. I know Ghanaians are not too confident, but they should think back at what happened in the 2006 World Cup. We were out during the group stages at the 2006 AFCON, but when we went to the World Cup, we saw what Ghana did.
“So, for me, I think we will go there and do well,” he said.
Ghana has been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
The Black Stars will take on Switzerland in a friendly game on November 17 before flying to Doha on November 19.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has released another set of players who will not be playing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Crystal Palace midfielder, Jeffrey Schlupp, Cremonese striker Felix Afena-Gyan, and Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru, are the latest players to be dropped from Otto Addo’s 26-man squad.
According to sources, the trio were informed of Otto Addo’s decision via a personal call from the Black Stars’ head coach.
Joseph Paintsil’s exclusion was also confirmed on Tuesday.
Addo has yet to officially reveal his squad for this man’s World Cup, but he is personally phoning players to inform them of their exclusion or inclusion in the team.
Paintsil and Ashimeru were reportedly told there were other players considered better than them in their respective positions, while Addo reportedly told Schlupp he had not watched him enough to consider him for the team.
Ghana will open camp in Abu Dhabi on November 11, 2022. They will engage Switzerland in an International friendly in the United Arab Emirates capital on November 17 before flying out to Qatar.
Ghana is housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, FourFourTwo has ranked Ghana’s senior national side, the Black Stars, as 24th in the world.
In recent weeks, all 32 participating nations, including the West African nation, have begun to release their new kits that will be utilized for the international exhibition.
This is their actual badge, though, featuring a football neatly encased in the pan-African colours of Ghana’s flag.
Among the five African countries that qualified for the tournament, Ghana is rated 3rd with Senegal and Cameroon taking up the 1st and 2nd places respectively while Tunisia and Morocco are ranked 4th and 5th respectively.
Black Stars make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia and have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
Former captain of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan has emphasized that the team benefited from their unrest at the 2014 World Cup.
When the team’s appearance fee was delayed, players threatened to skip practice in order to underperform the team in their final group match against Portugal.
However, the then NDC government airlifted 3 million dollars to the camp of the team ahead of the team but the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to exit the tournament with just a point after three games.
“What happened in Brazil was unfortunate, but our predecessors paved the way and we did the same for the next generation to be where they are now,” Gyan told GHOne TV.
“A lot of mistakes were made in the past but now they have been rectified.
“Now when we are going into a tournament, these financial issues are sorted out way ahead of time to prevent a repeat of that event in Brazil.
“Hitherto, it was not done that way. We will get to a tournament before we begin negotiations (for our bonuses), which will lead to disruptions and loss of focus. It (the strike) was a blessing in disguise. We did what we had to do for our younger ones to benefit today,” he added.
Ghana failed to qualify for the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 but has made a return to the global showpiece scheduled to be hosted in Qatar.
Charles ‘CK’ Akonnor discusses how someone did not want him at the helm of the Ghana national team and pushed for his sacking ahead of the 2021 Afcon.
WHAT HAPPENED: The tactician was fired on September 13, 2021, after the Black Stars suffered a 1-0 loss away against South Africa in Group G’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The move happened about four months before the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which was eventually held in Cameroon.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
Milovan Rajevac was eventually appointed 11 days later, making a return to the team he had coached in 2010.
However, his stay was short-lived as Ghana performed poorly at Afcon and collected just a point in their group. The then 67-year-old was shown the door with Otto Addo taking his place.
The latter helped the Black Stars qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Akonnor has now stated he was hurt by the changes, insisting there was foul play.
WHAT HE SAID: “[Being the head coach at the 2021 Afcon] was a dream but one way or the other, somebody shut it down, who that person is, I don’t know,” Akonnor told Joy Sports’ Prime Take.
“I wouldn’t say so [I would have done better than what Rajevac did], but I had a plan and if that plan had worked, maybe we would have done better than we did.
“At least, the FA should have allowed me to go to the Afcon and come back because my contract was even running out. I was hurt but I am better now.”
Partey received 75 touches, completed 52 of 56 passes that were attempted, made all six of his long balls, won five of six ground battles, and made 13 recoveries.
Former Ghanaian coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor claims he wasn’t given the necessary support while coaching the Black Stars.
Kwesi Appiah’s contract expired in January 2020, and Akonnor was chosen to take over as the Black Stars‘ manager.
Due to the national team’s lackluster performance, the former Asante Kotoko coach was shown the door three months before the start of the AFCON competition in Cameroon in 2021.
He was then replaced by Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, who went with the team to Cameroon, where Ghana experienced their worst-ever AFCON performance after amassing just a point.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Akonnor downplayed claims that he landed the Black Stars coaching job too early.
“No, [ I didn’t take the job too early]. I don’t think it was early, what I needed was encouragement and I didn’t get it,” he told JoySports.
“When you look at the atmosphere that I worked, it was a tough one. It got to a time I didn’t know who to trust, or who to speak to.
“I was in the middle of too many things which made it difficult for me, very difficult,” he emphasised.
“Listen,” he began the narration of his journey. “I had been an assistant, U-17, Frimpong Manso, I had been an assistant, Orlando [Wellington], U-20, I was assistant, Black Stars. I have coached Eleven Wise, Right to Dream Academy which is now the biggest Academy in West Africa, Hearts of Oak, big team; Kotoko, AshGold, and I am getting close to 50 [years old] and you say it was early for me?
“You want me to be 70 or 80 years old before I manage the team? It didn’t work as it ought to doesn’t mean it was too early for me,” he said.
Akonnor’s appointment was censured by even former teammates, one he says was very disappointing and discouraging.
“When I first started the job, a lot of people criticised my appointment which was disappointing. A lot of people who have played in the national team before and they know me; it is discouraging. It was more challenging and I was not too favoured. I don’t know what they were looking for.”
The loss of the Black Stars coaching prior to the start of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, according to former Ghanaian coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor, wounded him.
Due to the national team’s lackluster performance, the former Asante Kotoko coach was shown the door three months before the start of the AFCON competition in Cameroon in 2021.
He was then replaced by Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, who went with the team to Cameroon, where Ghana experienced their worst-ever AFCON performance after amassing just a point.
Speaking on Joy Sports, the former Ghana midfielder who had the dream of leading the Black Stars at the AFCON tournament says his dream was shut down but was unable to disclose it.
“[Being the head coach at the 2021 AFCON] was a dream but one way or the other, somebody shut it down, who that person is, I don’t know,” he said on Joy Sports’ Prime Take.
“I wouldn’t say so [I would have done better than what Milovan Rajevac did], but I had a plan and if that plan had worked, maybe we would have done better than we did.
“At least, the FA should have allowed me to go to the AFCON and come back because my contract was even running out. I was hurt but I am better now.”
