Coach Kwasi Appiah with Kwasi Nyantekyi, GFA Chairman
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has named his men for the 29th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a press conference at the GFA Secretariat yesterday.
The 26-man, squad which would be reduced to 23 for the championship, comprises a surprising six-man local component and 20 foreign-based players.
In recent past, the Black Stars has been foreign-based biased and the invitation of the home-based players has earned coach Appiah some praises, sending good signals to players who ply their trade in Ghana.
Asante Kotoko loanee, Yahaya Mohammed, who now captains Amidaus Professionals and leads the local league scoring chart with eight goals, is one of the candidates.
The rest are Berekum Chelsea duo of Richard Kissi and Solomon Asante; goalkeeper Daniel Adjei, Liberty Professionals; Fataw Dawda, Ashgold and Kotoko?s Rashid Sumaila.
Amazingly, familiar faces like Sulley Muntari, Samuel Inkoom and Jordan Ayew will not be on board for the South African trip.
Adam Kwarasey retained his number one position with support from Fatau Dauda and Daniel Adjei
Harrison Afful, John Paintsil, Kissi Boateng, Wakasu Mubarak, John Boye, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah, Rashid Sumaila, Awar Mohammed and Jerry Akaminko make up the defense.
Anthony Annan, Derek Boateng, Rabiu Mohammed, Agyemang Badu, Solomon Asante, Albert Adomah, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu and Kwadwo Asamoah will be in charge of midfield.
Asamoah Gyan, Boakye Yiadom, Emmanuel Clottey and Yahaya Mohammed are the attackers.
Ghana, paired alongside DR Congo, Mali and Niger in group B, will start a non residential camping from January 2 to 6 next year, and will later move for a residential camping in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their training ahead of the tournament from January 7 to 16.
The team will travel to South Africa on January 16 and play its first game on January 20, second day of the competition.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum
