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).
There is always only so many spots, though, meaning talent is always guaranteed to miss out somewhere. Ibrahim Tanko, the manager of the Black Meteors team on Monday named a 22-man team to begin preparations for upcoming AFCON U-23 championship and surprisingly left out some names we at kickgh.com feels should have been included in the list.
Here, we introduce five players deserving a chance in the Black Meteors team.
Nurudeen Abdulai (Medeama SC)
Strong and composed leadership is a high-ranking trademark for a Ghanaian centre-back and Medeama have that in Nurudeen Abdulai.
The defender not only has the makings of an old-school defender but can combine that ruthless quality with a modern-day ball-playing attribute that so many defenders possess.
Abdulai has been a regular fixture for the Mauves and Yellow boys this campaign. His resolve is matched by his acute sensibility in defensive situations. His awareness of when to close down and strip the ball from opponents is impressive. On the ball, he’s comfortable with both feet, equally capable of a fast-paced delivery into his centre-forward or playing a diagonal cross-field pass to a winger.
Felix Kyei (Medeama SC)
Most of Medeama’s first XI are getting the praise they deserve his season, but few are talking about just how big an impact Kyei has had on the side.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper has made saves, punches and made errors that have led to goals whilst inducing a sense of calm in his defence. His dependability was highlighted in his club’s games against Kotoko, Hearts, Samartex and Legon Cities.
He is by far the best goalkeeper in Ghana’s elite division and has kept 13 clean sheets in 27 appearances for the league leaders.
Baba Yahaya (King Faisal FC)
One player that quietly goes about his work week-in, week-out is Baba Yahaya. Sure, he may not earn rave reviews for his performances, or his marauding runs and dribbles, but he is a vital member of the Kumasi-based side. Yes, he may not be a 'star name' but he has proven to be a valuable squad member.
He is a joy to watch when in possession and when he decides to dribble past players. It's not rare to see him go past two or three of them in just one of his runs. With his magnetic left foot, he has the penchant of faking a pass, faking a shot, faking a direction in movement before he bursts away and leaves his markers chasing shadows. His teammates and fans alike find it amusing. His opponents, however, don’t find it amusing.
Stephen Diyou (Nsoatreman FC)
Diyou can play across the front line, but he’s most effective when deployed off the left. From this position, the tricky winger can drive infield and get shots off at will.
Neutrals look up from their phones and the Nsoatre faithful rise in anticipation when the ball arrives at the feet of Stephen Diyou. The 19-year-old is a dynamite in transition and his unpredictability makes him one of the most watchable players in the league.
Stephen Diyou is far from a mere show pony, by the way. The Nsoatreman winger can strike the ball as well as anybody, and his technical repertoire is as extensive as any left winger on the planet. He’s so explosive, so powerful, and a loveable figure on Nsoatre.
Clinton Duodu (Bechem United)
The 17-year-old winger has shown bags of potential when he broke into the Bechem United side last season. He isn’t shy of taking risks and taking responsibility to make something happen for his team.
The youngster has the versatility to play on the left, right or centrally behind a main striker. He also has a good command of the ball with both feet, adding an element of unpredictability to his game.
Duodu's age, though, hasn't stood in the way of his footballing abilities being showcased at the highest level and is recognised as one of the best wingers in the division.
His mental toughness and faith in his ability means he will never be weighed down and will always look forward, striving to improve and be the best.
