With a month to go to the start of the 2019 Africa cup of Nations in Egypt, expectations for the Black Stars to end their 37-year trophy drought is huge among Ghanaians. 

And to achieve that, head coach Kwesi Appiah needs a perfect squad. The provisional squad will be announced on May 20 before the official 23-man squad is submitted to CAF in June. 

With this year’s tournament set to have 24 participating teams, 23 players would be more beneficial since there would be an extra match (round of 16 stage) if Ghana progress from the group.

Ahead of the announcement, Joy Sports’ Owuraku Ampofo has analysed the 2017 squad and picked players who should make this year’s squad. In 2017, under the tutelage of Israeli trainer Avram Grant, failed to build on their second-place finish in 2015 as they ended up fourth.

Goalkeepers:

RAZAK BRIMAH - OUT

Brimah hasn’t been a fan favourite since he insulted Ghanaians via a social media post during the 2017 AFCON and at club level, he’s not been actively involved in the past two years. He has played just five matches.

RICHARD OFORI – YES

He has been Kwesi Appiah’s trusted goalkeeper in recent years. The 1.91m shot-stopper had a standout season with Maritzburg and has been linked with South African giants Orlando Pirates as well as a move to Europe.

FATAU DAUDA – LIKELY

The Eyimba move seems to have given him the much-needed revival in his career but it will be a tough call for Kwesi Appiah to make.

Defenders:

FRANK ACHEAMPONG – LIKELY

His versatility could be very useful especially in a tournament where so much physicality is required. He has also had a good season in China playing for Tianjin Teda.

HARRISON AFFUL – YES

Afful has been Ghana’s first choice right back for over five years. This season he has given a positive account of himself at MLS side Columbus Crew SC.  Another trait he possesses is experience which could prove to be a handful.

JOHN BOYE – YES

Despite facing some recent criticisms, John Boye has been Kwesi Appiah’s go to man in the defence. He has also been involved in the most games for any Black Stars player in Europe this season, amassing 38 appearances as his side Metz secured qualification to the French top-flight.

JONATHAN MENSAH – LIKELY

Jonathan has been with the Black Stars for nine years now and he barely disappoints anytime he is given the opportunity. He played a bit part role in the qualifiers, making just one appearance but his consistency at club level could be enough to convince head coach.

DANIEL AMARTEY – OUT

Unfortunately, the Leicester City defender will not make the tournament because of a broken ankle. He hasn’t played football since October 2018. 

BABA RAHMAN – OUT

The very talented left-back has struggled to find his feet after he suffered a knee injury during the 2017 tournament. The injury kept him out of action for 16 months. He joined Reims in January and managed to finish the season with 10 appearances but the feeling is he may not be fit enough.

ANDY YIADOM – YES

Moved a step higher in his career after joining Championship side Reading from Barnsley. 44 appearances since the start of 2018 shows how well equipped Yiadom is.

Midfielders:

AFRIYIE ACQUAH – YES

He played in three AFCON qualifiers and has also been a consistent player for Empoli this season featuring in 26 appearances.

EMMANUEL AGYEMANG-BADU – OUT

His move to Bursaspor didn’t go as expected as he spent most of his time on the sidelines due to injury. 

CHRISTIAN ATSU – YES

One of Ghana’s key players during the qualifiers, of course, he has to be there. He contributed to Newcastle United’s impressive campaign in the Premier League this season. 

EDWIN GYIMAH – OUT

A move to Bidvest Wits hasn’t been the best for Gyimah as he managed just 6 appearances this season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t done enough to make a case for himself.

EBENEZER OFORI – LIKELY

He scored in the qualifier against Ethiopia and was subsequently called for the Kenya match. A poor performance in Nairobi saw him axed from the squad for the last round of qualifiers. Ofori’s chances at the moment are hanging in the balance.

THOMAS PARTEY – YES

He has been a consistent feature in the Atletico Madrid side and he is undoubtedly Ghana’s best player heading into this year’s tournament.

SAMUEL TETTEH – OUT

He picked up a knee injury after the 2017 AFCON and was out of action for six months. He is slowly getting into his stride at LASK Linz but will be facing stiff competition for limited attacking slots.

MUBARAK WAKASO – YES

He seems to have rediscovered his form after joining Spanish side Alaves. His performances in the matches against Kenya and Mauritania have certainly cemented his place.

Forwards:

EBENEZER ASSIFUAH – OUT

Despite making 20 appearances for Le Havre, Assifuah has gone off the international radar and that is predominantly because he failed to take his chances when called upon.

ANDRE AYEW – YES

Hasn’t been the best of seasons for the former West Ham forward but he will be in the squad because of his experience and the fact that he is vice-captain.

JORDAN AYEW – YES

One of Kwesi Appiah’s trusted weapons up front. He has three AFCONs under his belt and is in pole position to make that number four.

ASAMOAH GYAN – YES

Recently came back from injury but two goals in his last match for Kayserispor did show why he could be a useful tool in Egypt. Moreover, the captain of the side certainly has to make the squad.

BERNARD TEKPETEY – LIKELY

11 goals this season presents a good case for the German-based striker Tekpetey. However, considering how Kwesi Appiah has been spoilt for choice in the attacking department, no assurances can be made here.

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