Starting 20 November, we'll bear witness to thee grandest football gathering - pitting 32 national teams from around the continent against one another to determine who follows in the footsteps of current holders France.
Ghana boss, Otto Addo has named a mixed squad for the World Cup, ranging from experienced veterans to uncapped youngsters. Are there exciting young talents (anyone under the age of 25, in my book) in the Ghanaian team that we should have our eyes on during the tournament?
Surely...These are six of them...
Kamaldeen Sulemana
Kamaldeen Sulemana has long been touted as one of the potential saviours of Ghanaian football.
At the lowest points, it was his name - that helped quell the tears. And now here he is, expected to make his debut FIFA World Cup appearance.
The tricky wide forward is now well and truly established in the hallowed hues of the Black Stars, and he's here to stay. Sure, he's still raw but he's got it. And that it is what Ghana have been missing for some time.
Mohammed Kudus
The Ajax man has a huge role to play in Ghana's quest to make it out of a difficult group. Kudus' breakthrough has been a breath of fresh air, tinged with sunshine and rainbows.
And, he's already been able to translate his easy-going mentality to the international stage, with his performances for the Black Stars as good a showcase of his talents as any.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Now plying his trade in Portugal, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is a star in the making and it is easy to see why.
The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Ghanaian legend Abedi Ayew, the precocious talent plays with a maturity beyond his years and while there is a ‘rawness’ about him, he has both the time and the talent to become a mainstay of the Black Stars for years to come.
Kamal Sowah
The Club Brugge winger is one of the talented Ghanaian youngsters with all the tools to eventually stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best.
Nurtured at New Zongo, a suburb of Accra from childhood, Sowah, who can operate on either the left or right side, is powerful and direct and looks fearless with the ball at his feet when driving towards goal.
Sowah may not be thrown in to start matches by Addo but against tiring defences late on, he will be more than a useful asset to stretch opponents.
Salis Abdul Samed
A freakishly versatile player, Samed can play pretty much anywhere - including in attacking midfield. Wonderfully two-footed and blessed with a delightful technique, he has been the RC Lens creative and attacking focal point for the past seasons, knitting the club's midfield together expertly.
A combative, disruptive, yet classy presence in the midfield, Samed has the ability to both halt opposition attacks, and participate meaningfully in his own team's sorties. There is a wonderful elegance and grace to his play, and he can dictate the tempo against even the best sides.
Tariq Lamptey
Physically, James is diminutive, strong, and unrelenting. He moves quickly enough to cause concern, as well as combining it with a strength that makes him a powerful runner. His stamina means he can hit the same velocity in the first minute right until the last too, as well as allowing him to attack the penalty area at times, knowing he can cover the ground behind him.
A great crosser of the ball, his ability to find team-mates on the run from dead-ball situations makes his distribution arguably his greatest asset. He has a catalogue of different deliveries into the box, utilising his strong technique to whip all kinds of crosses into dangerous areas.
Defensively, his athleticism enables him to cover big spaces in behind the defence, and his physicality is a huge asset in one-on-one duels. All in all, Lamptey is a well-rounded full-back.
By: Godfred Budu
