Which defenders should Ghana select for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations?

Published on: 05 December 2012

GHANASoccernet.com looks at ten defenders who are in contention for the place in Kwesi Appiah's squad.

1. Jonathan Mensah - Evian TG (France)

The 22-year-old has returned to training for Evian TG after spending three weeks on the sidelines.

Mensah is looking to make his third Nations Cup appearance after playing in the past two editions.

Since the arrival of Pascal Dupraz, the former AshGold enterprising defender has commanded first team place at the Parc des Sports.

He has scored once in 18 appearances for Ghana.

 

2. John Boye - Stade Rennes (France)

Boye was by far the most impressive player in the 2012 Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Since marking his debut for the Black Stars in June 2008, the former Heart of Lions defender, 25, has made 10 appearances for Ghana.

Kwesi Appiah will be waiting anxiously on the fitness results of the enterprising defender.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Jerry Akaminko - Eski?ehirspor (Turkey)

The Turkey-based center-back will be hoping to make his first Nations Cup appearance for Ghana.

The 24-year-old has just five appearances for Ghana but has scored once.

 

4. John Pantsil - Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Pantsil is one of the most experienced players in the current Ghana team, making 81 appearances.

His current form for Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Tel Aviv in both domestic and European campaigns would be the main reasons for his inclusion in the team.

 

5. Harrison Afful - Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia)

The Tunisia-based full-back is one of the strong contenders for a place in the final 23-man squad with his impressive form in both continental and domestic campaigns.

He has made 21 appearances for Ghana.

 

6. David Addy - Vitória de Guimaraes (Portugal)

The 2009 Fifa World U-20 gold medalist is gradually weaving his way into the Ghana squad making recent appearances.

The 22-year-old has also been consistent for Vitória de Guimaraes in the Portugal Primeira Liga.

7. Samuel Inkoom - FC Dnipro (Ukraine)

Despite his no-actions at club level, the former FC Basel right-back seems to be confirming his place in the final squad.

He has 37 Ghana caps with one goal.

8. Daniel Opare - Standard Liege (Belgium)

Opare is expected to return to training later this month for the Belgian giants and hope to gain full fitness before December ending when Kwesi Appiah settles on his 25-man list.

 

9. Isaac Vorsah - Red Bull Salzburg 

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah received the news of the former TSG Hoffenheim defender's return from injury over the weekend when he featured in an Austrian Bundesliga game for Red Bull Salzburg.

10. Nana Akwasi Asare - FC Utrecht (Holland)

The FC Utrecht captain made a return to the team after a long absence playing the 1-0 friendly win over Cape Verde in Lisbon last month.

Asare is a likely candidate for a place in the defence.

Some think players like John Mensah and Kotoko's Rashid Sumaila should make the squad for the AFCON.

Which defenders do you think should make Ghana's final 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations? Let's hear your thoughts in the box below.

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