Ghana boss, Chris Hughton has named a mixed squad for the AFCON 2023 double-header against Angola, 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 Angola, Madagascar, the Central African Republic.
Here are the players to look out for in Ghana's squad for the Angola games.
Thomas Partey
The Arsenal midfielder is the beating heart of the Ghana national team, and as such his biting tackles, battling spirit, and aggressive leadership style will be crucial should the Black Stars excel against Angola.
The spritely midfielder is a joy to watch when he's in full flow, gliding past opponents as if they weren't there on a regular basis. He also has an eye for a pass and will likely be Ghana's leading creative light in the qualifiers. Partey is the perfect blend of flair and a workhorse - exactly the kind of player Hughton needs in his team.
Mohammed Kudus
It is hard to overstate just how incredible Kudus is at football. If you have not boarded the hype train yet, do it now. The Ajax midfielder is a dynamite dribbler whose intelligence off the ball is also impressive.
He is one of the most in-form players in Europe and an important player in the Ajax setup. The Ghanaian magician has scored 18 goals, registered 5 assists in 35 games for the Dutch side this season. 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 among the four Black Stars players Ghanaians can rely on.
Joseph Paintsil
Surprisingly left out of the Ghana’s 2022 World Cup squad, Joseph Painstil will be making a return to the team after been named in Hughton’s squad. Like Kudus, Paintsil is having a splendid season with KRC Genk.
The forward has netted 11 times, recorded 9 assists in 25 games for the Belgian outfit. At Genk, he is mostly played as wide forward in a system without a true striker, taking advantage of his talismanic manager’s structured style by living in the half -spaces between the opposition centre-backs and wide defenders.
Paintsil will look to provide a breath of creative air fresh air, either for a midfield that features a defensive-minded players or on the front line led by Inaki Williams.
Inaki Williams
Fluffed his lines at the World Cup, Inaki Williams has been presented with another opportunity to stake his claim in the Ghana team. Williams is s prolific as they come in front of goal. He can strike the ball from any angle, play pinpoint passes in the build-up and finish ruthlessly from inside the box.
He has a good burst and above-average speed but he is not especially quick; he is more steady and functional. 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. But he can also play off the last man’s shoulder and look for avenues in-behind the defence, or swing wide into the channels to open up space for others.
