As the Black Stars of Ghana prepare for their final two AFCON 2024 qualifiers, anticipation is high. With just two points from four games, Ghana sits third in their group, needing wins against Angola in Luanda on November 15 and Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18. Let’s take a look at how the squad members have performed with their clubs leading up to the international break.
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Goalkeepers:
•Lawrence Ati Zigi (St. Gallen): The Ghanaian shot-stopper impressed in St. Gallen’s 2-1 victory over Grasshopper, making four crucial saves. Ati Zigi is likely to start between the posts for the Black Stars.
•Abdul Nurudeen (KAS Eupen): Nurudeen had a tough outing, conceding four goals in Eupen’s 4-0 defeat to Patro Eisden in the Belgian B League.
•Joseph Wollacot (Crawley Town): Wollacot missed the matchday squad for Crawley Town over the weekend, with his last appearance coming in the FA Cup on November 2.
Defenders:
•Alidu Seidu (Rennes): Despite Rennes’ loss to Toulouse in the French Ligue 1, Seidu was a key figure in defense, completing the most passes.
•Tariq Lamptey (Brighton): Lamptey did not feature in Brighton’s memorable 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
•Jonas Adjetey (FC Basel): Adjetey made a 20-minute cameo in FC Basel’s 4-1 win over Yverdon, showcasing his potential as he awaits his Black Stars debut.
•Nathaniel Adjei (Lorient): Adjei did not make the matchday squad for Lorient in their 3-1 win over Guingamp.
•Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce): Djiku played 76 minutes for Fenerbahce, contributing to a solid 4-0 win against Sivasspor. His presence will be crucial in Ghana’s defense.
•Jerome Opoku (Basaksehir): Opoku was a standout performer, playing the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw against Besiktas, solidifying his claim for a starting role.
•Gideon Mensah (Auxerre): Mensah starred in Auxerre’s 3-1 win over Marseille, leading in tackles, duels won, and dribbles completed.
•Isaac Afful (FC Samartex): Afful helped Samartex secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Legon Cities in the Ghana Premier League, showing his readiness for international duty.
•Razak Simpson (Nations FC): Making his debut call-up, Simpson impressed with a commanding performance in Nations FC’s 3-0 win over Nsoatreman FC.
Midfielders:
•Elisha Owusu (Auxerre): Owusu was instrumental in Auxerre’s midfield, playing the full game in their 3-1 triumph over Marseille.
•Abu Francis (Club Brugge): Francis managed 24 minutes in a heavy 5-0 loss to Anderlecht, contributing with key tackles.
•Ibrahim Sulemana (Atalanta): Sulemana was an unused substitute in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory against Udinese.
•Michael Baidoo (Elfsborg): Baidoo did not feature in Elfsborg’s goalless draw against Varberg in Sweden.
•Mohammed Kudus (West Ham): Although Kudus is currently serving a suspension at West Ham following a red card against Tottenham, he remains available for the Black Stars in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. His creativity and goal-scoring ability will be crucial as Ghana aims to secure vital wins.
Forwards:
•Emmanuel Antwi (Asante Kotoko): Antwi played as Kotoko fell 1-0 to Bechem United, their third consecutive defeat.
•Ibrahim Osman (Feyenoord): Osman missed Feyenoord’s game against Almere City due to a serious injury picked up midweek in the Champions League.
•Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao): Williams is sidelined with a muscle injury, making him a doubt for Ghana’s clash with Angola.
•Ernest Nuamah (Lyon): Nuamah contributed 26 minutes off the bench in Lyon’s 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne.
•Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): Semenyo played the full match in Bournemouth’s narrow 3-2 loss to Brentford, continuing his impressive form.
•Jordan Ayew (Leicester City): Ayew, who will captain the Black Stars, played 88 minutes in Leicester’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United.
•Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City): Issahaku was a standout in the same game, completing the most dribbles and winning the most duels.
•Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy): Paintsil last featured on November 2, scoring in LA Galaxy’s 4-1 win over Colorado.
With several key players either sidelined or recently recovered, the Black Stars face a challenging road ahead. The defensive solidity of Djiku and Opoku will be vital, while the midfield, led by Owusu and supported by the dynamic Kudus, will need to dictate play. Up front, potential unavailability of Inaki Williams puts the pressure on Semenyo and Ayew to deliver goals.
Ghana’s qualification hopes hinge not only on their performances but also on favorable results from other group matches. As they prepare for these must-win games, the spotlight will be on how well the Black Stars can gel and overcome their recent struggles.
