Ghana boss, Chris Hughton has named a mixed squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire, ranging from experienced veterans to uncapped youngsters. From those who made the squad, four key players could have a huge say in how Ghana’s games shape up. Hughton’s side have been pitched against Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.
Here are the players to look out for in Ghana’s squad in Côte d'Ivoire.
Mohammed Kudus
It is hard to overstate just how good Kudus is at football. If you have not boarded the hype train yet, do it now. The West Ham star is a dynamite dribbler whose intelligence off the ball is also impressive.
The 23-year-old is one of the most in-form players in the English Premier League. He can play on either side of the pitch and typically features for the Black Stars as a wide midfielder or winger. Blessed with effortless ability on the ball and the kind of technical brilliance that can make him decisive in front of goal or when creating. Kudus is surely the big name in the Ghana squad Ghanaians can rely on.
Inaki Williams
Fluffing his lines at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Williams has been presented with another opportunity to stake his claim in the Ghana team. He has so far scored a goal in 12 appearances for the Black Stars. Fortunately for the 29-year-old forward, he will be going to Côte d'Ivoire on the back of some splendid displays for Athletic Club.
Williams has scored eight goals and provided 3 assists to his teammates in 18 games for the Basque outfit. As a striker, he is a dynamic threat. He can win the ball in the air exceptionally well, heading for goal or trying to hold up play to get others involved. He will be the man Hughton will count on to achieve his goals.
Osman Bukari
Osman Bukari is among the current crop of Ghanaian youngsters- Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku- who are the best herd of colts of their age group. There are high hopes for the future of Ghanaian football with the aforementioned players.
Capable of playing on either wing, Hughton could make use of a player who is devastatingly good with both feet. This unique ability, referred to as ambipedal, makes him unpredictable for the opposition. When dribbling, Bukari can comfortably manoeuvre in any direction, often leaving defenders on their rear end.
With five goals and four assists in 16 games for his club Red Star Belgrade, Bukari could be Ghana’s secret weapon in Côte d'Ivoire.
