AFCON, Africa, Black Stars, Featured, Ghanaians Abroad, International, National Teams March 28, 2021
Ghana’s Black Stars will hope to wrap up their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in grand style when they host São Tomé and Principe at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
With Ghana having already secured qualification to the tournament, the game against Group C’s whipping boys presents an opportunity for Coach Charles Akonnor to try out some players in national colors for the first time.
Here below, FMIG has put together a list of players who are eyeing their first appearance for the senior national football team.
1) ERIC OFORI ANTWI
The Medeama SC shot-stopper has been in fine form in the Ghana Premier League and ranks among the top 3 performing goalies in the Division.
The former National U-20 goalkeeper has yet to make an appearance for the Black Stars though he’s turned out severally for the B side.
With goalkeepers mostly unlikely to be substituted on during a game Ofori Antwi will eye an opportunity to start ahead of Razak Abalora (who kept the post against South Africa) and Ibrahim Danlad.
2) IBRAHIM DANLAD
The young goalkeeper is in line for his first ever Black Stars appearance. That would cap-off what has been a remarkable last 5 months for Ibrahim Danlad. The National U-20 Goalie has had a memorable was in top form when the Black Satellites won the WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship and followed it up with another glorious moment by winning the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Danlad emerged the top goalie at both competitions and the Asante Kotoko goalkeeper -currently on loan at King Faisal FC- will be dreaming of a starting berth versus Sao Tome.
3) IMORO IBRAHIM
Asante Kotoko defender Imoro Ibrahim will be itching to play a role when Ghana host Sao Tome on Sunday. The Young and enterprising left back according to many should be tried at the left back role especially after Baba Rahman had an average game against South Africa last Thursday.
Ironically he is his club’s second top scorer in the ongoing season and that demonstrates his classification as an archetypal modern day fullback.
Imoro will hope to play a role to prove he can replicate club form in national colors.
4) YUSSIF MUBARIK
Mubarik has been one of the best central defenders in the local league. Following his move from AshantiGold SC to Asante Kotoko, his stock has risen steadily. He has been part of the Kotoko defensive setup that boasts the best record in the ongoing league season. After seeing club teammate Abdul Ismail Ganiyu excel in his debut appearance against South Africa last Thursday, Mubarik will hope for a chance to also prove his worth to Ghanaians.
5) JOSEPH AGYEI
In a season where Legon Cities had a dull start to life in the Ghana Premier League, Joseph Agyei was one of the few brightest spots in the team.
His performances earned him a maiden national team call-up. He will be hopeful that it’s enough to get him his first start against Sao Tome.
6) JUSTICE BLAY
Undoubtedly one of the stellar talents in the Ghana Premier League league. Justice Blay has grown his constituency and despite being drafted into the squad late, he will definitely fancy his chances of playing a role against Sao Tome.
Blay can do a good job in the middle of the pitch and will hope he’s convinced Coach Charles Akonnor well enough during training to be worthy of game time against the Sao Tomeans.
7) GLADSON AWAKO
One of the Ghana Premier League’s poster boys; Awako is almost everything good around Great Olympics this season (though not taking away credit from the team’s Commendable collective effort).
Gladson Awako has been brilliant this season, more reason it was not surprising social media users were busily calling for his involvement in Ghana’s tepid display against South Africa. Against Sao Tome, it’s fair to call for one of the Ghana Premier League’s Standout performers to be included in the coach’s game plan.
8) KWAME AFRIYIE OPOKU ADUBOFOUR
Colchester United’s Kwame Afriyie Poku will join Ghana’s Black Stars squad
Kwame Afriyie Opoku generated much debate with his call-up to the Senior National side. The youngster who plays for Colchester United in the English fourth tier, many believe is not fit for the big stage now. To prove his case, he deserves some minutes against Sao Tome. Don’t exactly know what actually will be high on his priority list at the moment, but earning his first start for Ghana should be one of the many wishes he has.
9) JOSEPH ESSO
Esso
Esso is a new man; he’s living the dream at Dreams FC. The former Ebusua Dwarfs and Hearts of Oak attacker after a slow start at his new club has drastically improved following the appointment of Vladislav Viric as Head coach.
Esso is having his most prolific campaign in the local league and his versatility means he could prove worthy of use in executing Coach Charles Akonnor’s tactical plans.
He already has national team experience (turning out for the Black Stars B).
Esso is already dreaming big, and getting his first senior national team appearance should be anything out of the picture for him now.
10) KWASI OKYERE WRIEDT
