Predicting Ghana's final World Cup Squad following defeat in Montenegro

Published on: 06 March 2014
Predicting Ghana's final World Cup Squad following defeat in Montenegro
Fatau Dauda, Adam Kwarasey (middle) and Richard Kingson (right).

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is just three months away, but the deadline to name the Ghana squad comes on May 13. 

On that date, manager Kwesi Appiah can name up to 30 players for a preliminary roster before cutting the final squad down to 23 on or before June 2.

We already have a general idea of how the starting lineup will look, but there are plenty of fringe spots still up for grabs.

Here is a look at how the 23-man roster would look if Appiah had to pick his team after the latest international friendly with Montenegro.

Goalkeepers: 

Fatau Dauda

Dauda is the first-choice keeper for the Ghana, according to head coach Kwesi Appiah who told an Accra-bases radio station.

The out-of-favour Orlando Pirates gloves man missed the friendly against Montenegro but will named in the final 23-man squad.

Just like Spain’s Casillas, Dauda despite lacking game time at club level will be number 1.

 Adam Kwarasey

Kwarasey could start for a handful of qualified African teams at the World Cup.

He is the captain of Stromsgodset and led them to win the Norwegian league title last year.

He did well in the 1-0 defeat to Montenegro by playing the entire duration but 2014 belongs to Dauda.

Stephen Adams

I can guarantee you that he will not be fielded in Brazil unless something catastrophic happens, but his presence will be felt elsewhere.

The Aduana Stars goalkeeper earned rave reviews for his stellar performances with the local Black Stars at the just ended CHAN tournament.

Defenders: 

John Boye
John Boye
Five defenders are locks to make the trip to Brazil, but the other three of the projected eight defensive spots could be up for grabs.

Right-Back: Daniel Opare

He has done everything right this season to merit a starting role in Kwesi Appiah’s side at the World Cup.

Opare has missed few games for his Belgian side Standard Liege who currently lead the league table.

He could be moved to left-back because of his versatility.

Center-Backs: John Boye and Jerry Akaminko

For now, John Boye and Jerry Akaminko are the best center-back pairing Ghana can put together, and they have grown into a respectable duo.

It did not work perfectly at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but both have grown following regular playing time at club level in the French and Turkish Leagues.

Akaminko can play as right-back incase of  an emergency.

Against Montenegro, the played the entire duration and did well with some eye-catching defensive displays.

Left-Back: Harrison Afful

Afful proved in the qualifiers that he is Ghana’s reliable starting left-back.

He is versatile too and can play in midfield, right-back and also on the wing.

The Reserves: Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, David Addy, Rashid Sumaila

Mensah will make the trip but David Addy looks shaky.

Inkoom has been playing regularly in the Greek Super League with his new side Platanias.

Sumalia is in top form at South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

Midfielders

Michael Essien
Michael Essien
Defensive Midfielders: Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari

Essien will be playing his last World Cup and this could be his best performance.

He was impressive in the 1-0 defeat to Montenegro when he captained the side.

His clubmate Muntari is available to assist him in midfield.

Right Wing: Andre Ayew

The Marseille ace seems to be suited for that role and his recent display for both club and country.

At the last World Cup in South Africa he performed to his optimum as the Black Stars reached the last eight.

Left Wing: Kwadwo Asamoah

Asamoah has the skills and dexterity to take up the role as the left-winger. Although he has been restricted at Juventus, he will not fall short at the World Cup in Brazil.

Reserves: Mohammed Rabiu, Mubarak Wakaso, Albert Adomah, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Christian Atsu

Rabiu was revelation at the 2013 AFCON and excelled in the qualifiers in the holding role. He faces competition from Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.

Adomah has the speed and skills to raid the flanks of Ghana’s opponents. He is currently the topscorer for his Championship side Middlesbrough.

Wakaso can be relied on for his power and effectiveness on the left-wing. He can play as left-back too.

Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan
 

No. 10 Role: Kevin-Prince Boateng

Boateng came back from his self-imposed sabbatical with a new purpose in 2013.

He is best suited in the No. 10 role of the 4-2-3-1 because it gives him the ability to roam freely through the midfield as he looks to spring the attack.

 

Forward: Asamoah Gyan

Gyan’s pedigree from the two previous World Cup finals cannot be questioned by anybody.

He has four goals in two finals and remains feared by some of the renowned defenders.

Reserves: Abdul Majeed Waris, Jordan Ayew

Both players possess game-changing skills are likely to exhibit that in Brazil.

Waris has been in top form in the French Ligue 1 with four goals in eight matches.

Ayew is also playing week-in-week-out for Sochaux and has one goal to his credit.

On the edge:

Defenders: Abeiku Ainooson, John Mensah, Mohammed Awal, Lee Addy

Midfielders: Solomon Asante, Emmanuel Frimpong, Afriyie Acquah, Isaac Cofie

Forwards: Richmond Boakye-Yiadom, Mahatma Otoo

 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more