Ghana head to Qatar for the Earth Cup desperately hoping to stay away from a repeat of their last big match.
At the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Ghana, four-time winners of the continental levels of competition, failed to make the knockout round for the very first time in 2006 adhering to a shock defeat to minnows and debutants Comoros.
Their humiliating exit saw them fail to earn a match in 22 appearances at the finals and finish base of their group.
The Black Stars sacked coach Milovan Rajevac following their dismal AFCON displaying and Otto Addo, a previous Ghanaian international, steered them to Globe Cup qualification immediately after getting the reins.
But Ghana have struggled for type considering the fact that edging out Nigeria for a position in Qatar in a tie marred by group violence in the second leg.
Such is the amount of problem above their modern travails that some are even calling for Addo to be changed in advance of the Globe Cup, when the nation alone has sought divine intervention by owning two nationwide times of prayer and fasting in a bid to reverse their fortunes in advance of the event.
Thomas Partey will be 1 of the standout names heading to the Planet Cup for Ghana
The Black Stars are generally backed by a fervent and boistrous crowd but that is unlikely to be the situation in Qatar
It is minor marvel they are taking this kind of drastic steps.
Ghana have gained just two of their 12 matches this 12 months. They have been held to a 1-1 draw by the Central African Republic, ranked 132 in the world by FIFA, in their 1st AFCON qualifier in June, in advance of staying thrashed 4-1 by Japan and drawing – with Chile.
Outcomes failed to get a lot much better in September, when they were being outclassed by Brazil and only recorded a slender 1- get above Guatemala, rated 81 sites under them, in a latest welcoming.
But there stays a sensation that Ghana have the players at their disposal to be a serious pressure in African football and most likely even trigger an upset at the Globe Cup, where Addo’s fees have been drawn with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in a complicated Team H.
Ghana secured their position in Qatar with a narrow enjoy-off victory about Nigeria in March
Several of their most recognisable gamers ply their trade in the Premier League, with Brighton proper-again Tariq Lamptey – who switched his allegiance from England previously this yr – established to sign up for the likes of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, highly-rated Southampton centre-again Mohammed Salisu, Leicester defender Daniel Amartey and Crystal Palace ahead Jordan Ayew on the plane to Qatar.
Ghana also have harmful frontman Inaki Williams, the Athletic Bilbao striker who ditched Spain in favour of actively playing for the African nation, and Mohammed Kudus, the Ajax star who is turning heads across Europe.
Off the pitch, Chris Hughton is associated in the Ghana set up as specialized advisor and was connected with the manager’s position when Rajevac was dismissed.
Listed here, Sportsmail seems to be at their key males and how they can support Ghana emulate their heroic compatriots of 2010, who ended up a blatant Luis Suarez handball away from a possible put in the semi-finals.
Brighton complete-again Tariq Lamptey chose to characterize Ghana around England previously this year
Thomas Partey
Club: Arsenal
Placement: CM
Partey is unquestionably the greatest identify on the Ghana teamsheet. The Arsenal midfielder endured a disheartening get started to lifetime in the Leading League after joining from Atletico Madrid for £45million in 2020, but has been a crucial performer in the Gunners’ blistering commence to the season this time about.
The 29-year-previous will have the pounds of his nation on his shoulders in Qatar. If he performs very well, Ghana stand an outside the house likelihood of sneaking into the knockout round as all 3 of their matches are expected to be shut.
But his exact posture and function for Ghana stays up in the air, a issue Addo will need to handle if they are to get the most effective out of him at the World Cup.
Mohammed Kudus
Club: Ajax
Placement: Attacking midfield
The Dutch facet were being gutted in the summer months as several of their most effective gamers, such as Antony and Lisandro Martinez, still left the club for pastures new.
Kudus breaking by means of has softened that blow – domestically at least – and the 22-yr-old is undoubtedly a single to enjoy at the tournament in Qatar.
Mohammed Kudus will be a single to watch for Ghana at the Planet Cup in Qatar in the wintertime
Kudus has been in excellent form for Ajax – each at house and in the Champions League – this yr
He has caught the eye with his performances in Holland this season and there is no better phase to cement your rising status than a World Cup.
Inaki Williams
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Position: CF
Ghanaian enthusiasts, officials and gamers alike were delighted when Williams made a decision to swap his allegiance from Spain to the African country.
The 28-12 months-aged is in the prime of his occupation and has manufactured a decent opening to the LaLiga marketing campaign, with 5 ambitions in his very first 12 appearances.
All round, he has 80 goals for the Spanish club, but features much far more than just placing the ball into the internet.
Inaki Williams switched his allegiance from Spain in a large raise for the Ghana squad
His brother Nico could also go to the Planet Cup – but for Spain, as he has not adopted Inaki in symbolizing Ghana.
Mohammed Salisu
Club: Southampton
Placement: CB
Salisu has been a single of Southampton’s standout performers even even though the South Coastline facet have struggled in the Premier League so much this season.
The commanding centre-back again, 23, joined Saints in 2020 and has rapidly turn into a single of the initially names on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s teamsheet.
Ghana supporters will be hoping he carries his club kind into the World Cup, exactly where he is guaranteed to be tested against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and – personal injury allowing – Son Heung-min.
He is a further member of the Ghana squad that could place himself in the store window with a stable exhibiting in Qatar. But initially he will be tasked with serving to his region get out of what has been dubbed in the African nation as the ‘group of death’.
Mohammed Salisu has been just one of Southampton’s standout performers inspite of their poor time