8 Outsiders Looking To Force Themselves Into Ghana’s World Cup Squad

Otto Addo has got many Ghana players dreaming of glory at this winter’s FIFA World Cup after naming them in his provisional 55-man squad for the tournament last Friday. Ghana were handed what many perceived to be a difficult draw, with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea lying in wait for Addo’s side.

With that in mind, players will be well aware that they have just a matter of days left to impress the technical team. Competition for places in Addo’s squad will be extremely competitive, with only a handful of names guaranteed a place on the plane.

Below, we list five outsiders who could be in contention to secure a place in the Ghana squad.

Jeffrey Schlupp

Perhaps less of an outsider and more of a likely candidate, Jeffrey Schlupp has set the Premier League alight with Crystal Palace this season. 

Due to his versatility, Schlupp is able to play as a left-back, left-winger and occasionally assigned a role at left-midfield. He has all the quality required to make the Ghana team thick.

Salis Abdul Samed

Another star who has impressed enough to earn a Ghana debut of late, Salis Abdul Samed could take advantage of Baba Iddrissu’s inconsistencies and force his way into Addo’s squad.

He has been a key cog in RC Lens’ midfield. It seems baffling to ignore someone who is in decent nick at his club - even if it is Ligue 1. 

While competition for places in Ghana’s midfield will be strong, Samed could add a unique balance of defence and attack, and Addo may choose to give the youngster a chance.

Kamal Sowah

The Club Brugge winger is understood to be one youngster being monitored closely before the World Cup after consistently strong displays in the Premier League and in the UEFA Champions League.

A fast, strong, and confident winger who enjoys running at defenders, Sowah has been tipped by fans of Club Brugge to go on to huge things.

With his talent, few would bet against him picking a spot in Otto Addo’s squad.

Abdul Mumin

Otto Addo’s big headache this summer will be at centre-back. Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu have all been immense when granted an opportunity to play for the Black Stars.

The blot on his copybook is his ability on the ball which has not been tested to its fullest extent at Rayo. It will be a straight shoot-out between Abdul Mumin and Patric Pfeiffer.

The former’s fine form and versatility may edge it, though.

Majeed Ashimeru

The clamour for Ashimeru to be in Addo’s final squad reached fever pitch last week following his display in Anderlecht 4-2 trouncing of KAS Eupen.

One of the biggest shortcomings of this Ghana squad is the lack of creativity from the centre of midfield. Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus have their merits but are one-dimensional.

Ashimeru offers a different skill set entirely. His previous call-up and involvement with the national teams are in his favour, as is his creativity from the centre of the park.

Samuel Owusu

Samuel Owusu is a flighty, explosive right-sided winger with a penchant for a looping cross towards the back post after cutting back onto his left foot.

He excels in one-on-one situations when going inside onto his favoured foot, but can be restricted by being shown down the line.

However, with his sharp drops of the shoulder, low centre of gravity and excellent acceleration; it is difficult to stop him wherever he intends to go.

He is one of the players who s forcing his way into the World Cup squad with his swashbuckling performances for FK Cukaricki.

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh

As silky and talented as they come, Daniel Afriyie Barnie makes football look easy such is his vision and quality on the ball. The Hearts forward was handed an invite the Black Stars’ recently friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.

He missed the game against the South American powerhouse but given a minute in the Stars’ 1-0 win over Nicaragua. It is perhaps due to his perceived lack of direct impact on the scoresheet- but all you have to do is look at his performances for his club to be convinced of his prowess.

Touted as the next big thing happen to Ghana football, he will need an appearance at the World Cup to further develop his craft.

Ibrahim Danlad

Arguably, the best goalkeeper in the Ghanaian topflight division, Danlad has represented the nation at all levels of youth football but has yet to be recognized by the handlers of the Black Stars.

This is a perfect opportunity to hand Danlad a World Cup chance as a reward for his surprising level of consistency and high form for the Porcupine Warriors and the various national he has represented over the years.

By: Godfred Budu