Representing the country's national football team is something often taken for granted in Ghana. The fans dismiss any international football that isn't a tournament, and club managers spend each day nervously waiting to get their players back in one piece.
Even the players that go as regulars can get caught in the moment and not quite appreciate the gravity of the situation; the national team is the country's pinnacle of excellence (more often than not).
New Black Stars manager Chris Hughton on Thursday announced a 25-man Black Stars squad for the upcoming AFCON 2023 double-header against Angola. Still, there are more than a handful of players who, on form, ability, and experience, deserve a place in the Black Stars squad. Here are four stars who Hughton may want to seriously consider in the future.
Nurudeen Abdulai
• Club: Medeama SC
• Position: Defender(centre-back)
Undeniably underappreciated, Medeama’s centre-back is one of the best in his position in the country. The tall defender has already gained a cult hero status since joining the Tarkwa club from Aduana Stars. Although aggressive, he has a patient side as well and does not rush in and tackle unnecessarily. He gives a solid presence at the back and can dominate the box. He can also work his way forward and start attacks from the back.
Additionally, he is not flustered under pressure and clears his lines when necessary. Perhaps more importantly, he is a leader, the kind of player others look up to and improve upon their game to impress. With him in the side, the Medeama faithful know that the other teammates will perform because he wouldn’t have it otherwise. It is, perhaps, one of the reasons why regardless of what changes are forced on the Hearts defensive back line, Abdulai always makes it into the team if fit.
Abass Samari Salifu
• Club: Accra Lions
• Position: Midfielder
The most basic mentality a player needs to possess in order to earn himself a call-up to the national team entails a strict focus on bettering their club form. Abass Samari Salifu has undoubtedly achieved that at Accra Lions this season, returning from a woeful period of abysmal performances, to get his Accra Lions career back underway with goals and assists while married to a nonchalant action style.
At 18, age hasn't stood in the way of his footballing abilities being showcased at the highest level with his 8 goals, 2 assists, 5 MVP accolades, and regular appearances in the first team under his belt.
With his development reaching new heights with every game and Hughton's preference for youth in mind, Abass Samari Salifu certainly deserves a call-up.
Mezack Afriyie
• Club: Berekum Chelsea
• Position: Forward
Touted as the next big thing to happen to Ghana football, the Berekum Chelsea attacker has been nothing short of a revelation this campaign. With his many sterling performances in his cluster of appearances for the Berekum based club, so far there’s been much to admire about the chap.
The 19-year-old is a good dribbler and outwits his markers with ease. He can play as a number 10 or a false 9. He is renowned for his clever movement, where he drifts into pockets of space from a false 9 role to create angles for teammates. His intelligence with space and eye for a pass also makes him an attractive option playing behind a striker.
Afiyie is the leading top scorer in Ghana’s elite league with 10 goals.
Frederick Asare
• Club: Asante Kotoko
• Position: Goalkeeper
Prior to his move to Kotoko, Asare definitely was not seen as a leading Premier League goalkeeper - he shipped goals this wasn't all his own doing, but there were definitely some moments which called his ability into question. At the very least, no one expected him to become such a key player for the Porcupine Warriors this season.
There have been plenty of calls - largely on social media- to instate Asare as Kotoko’s number one. Doing so at this stage seem like a gamble worth making and wouldn’t be out of character for Seydou Zerbo to implement.
The 23-year-old’s major strength is his ability to be in the right position in order to cover a large portion of the goal especially when opposing forwards are bearing down on goal. Another strength of his is his distribution. He averages 5.0 successful goal kicks per game and 4.1 throw outs. For a team like Hughton’s side, who put emphasis on attractive football, the benefit of having a goalkeeper who can play from the back, cut out individual errors and provide an imposing presence will be invaluable.
In terms of anticipation, Asare is one of the best around. He thinks like a striker and tries to anticipate if the opposition forward will dribble or shoot, and how he will shoot: close to the ground, in the air, with power, and in what direction.
His athleticism and reactions are fine tuned to the point of near correction, his shoulders have broadened and his skills at the ball at his feet can rival even the most fleet footed of midfielders and regularly joins attack and pushes forward when his team are in search of a goal.
His excellence comes in his incredible consistency: minute after minute, game after game, month after month. Rarely is he pulled up for individual criticism. Mistakes are rare. Simply, he is a centre-back’s dream; a commanding presence who generally does his job with consummate ease.
Asare will be delighted about a Black Stars call-up and so he should. But he will more than likely stay humble and not get carried away.
Caleb Amankwah
• Club: Accra Hearts of Oak
• Position: Defender (Centre-back)
The intelligent defender is physically brave almost to the point of foolishness, crunching in the tackle, a fine passer with both feet, brilliant positionally, the on-pitch symbol of Slavko Matic’s team.
His quickness over short areas is impressive, and while he can be aggressive at times, he is never out of control of his own actions. His defensive prowess and desire to win is undeniable. Starting off as a full-back and then an auxiliary midfielder, Amankwah overcame some early criticism and has risen to become one of the best centre-backs in the domestic league.
For all his reputation as one of the toughest players in the division, however, it is crucial that his footballing ability and versatility aren’t played down. Rewarding him with a Black Stars call-up wouldn’t be out of place.
