The Black Stars’ 29-man list for the Brazil and Nicaragua games has goalkeeper Richard Ofori and Afriyie Barnieh maintains to the squad.
Will they keep their spots for the Fifa World Cup?
Ofori vs Wollacott
The Orlando Pirates shot-stopper has been on the sidelines due to injuries.
Ofori missed the games against Japan and Chile at the Kirin tournament in June.
In his spot, Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott has been stupendous for the Stars.
Infact, the England-based keeper has been the first-choice after his performance in the 2021 Afcon and the Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
That said, Ofori will need to improve to get back in the sticks since returning from injury.
There’s also Abdul Manaf breathing down his neck after his display against Chile.
Barnieh maintains spot
Hearts of Oak star Daniel Afriyie Barnieh has also been called by the technical handlers.
The forward has enjoyed a fruitful campaign with the Black Galaxies, leading them to qualify for CHAN 2023 against Benin and Nigeria.
Barnieh netted four goals in the qualifiers and the Black Stars handlers believe he deserves a step-up to the senior team.
The attacker, who played in the Kirin tournament maintains his spot in the team.
The new guys
Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, Stefan Ambrosius, Mohammed Salis, and Ransford Yeboah have all being named for the two duels.
The inclusion of Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams in attack is an upgrade on the quality upfront.
Having a forward who plays in the Spanish League is a good addition for Ghana’s World Cup ambitions.
It’s time for Inaki to familiarize with the squad and he has a good test in Brazil.
Same as the other new players; Tariq Lamptey, Stephan Ambrosius and Salisu Mohammed especially.
The turn-around in Otto Addo’s tenure has been the defensive play, notably the Nigeria games.
Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey, Dennis Odoi and Gideon Mensah now face tough challenges from the three defenders.
Maybe, Ghana will switch to a three-back system. Djiku-Salisu-Amartey? Well, we wait.
On the flanks, Odoi is versatile. Tariq’s inclusion might push the Club Brugge man to the left and there’s Gideon to compete with.
Again, we wait!
The Black Stars will play the two games in September will assess the new players expected to make their debuts.
Ghana plays Brazil September 23 at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre, France and then face Nicaragua on September 27.
The Nicaragua clash will be played at the Estadio Francisco Artes Carrasco Stadium in Lorca, Spain.
Find the full squad below:
