Chris Hughton Squad For CAR Qualifier; Who Is Missing And Why
The head coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton has called up 25 players for Ghana’s qualifier against Central African Republic on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
After failing at a win in the qualifier against Madagascar in June, the Black Stars will have a crucial game against the CAR in the hope of securing one of the ten remaining slots in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
So far, 14 nations including Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Mali have qualified for the AFCON.
On Saturday, Hughton named his men for the team. He has excluded some notables and regulars like Thomas Partey; he has appointed a first-timer; as well as embarked on a recall.
The squad included Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Richard Ofori (Goalkeepers); Alidu Seidu, Kingsley Schindler, Stephan Ambrosius, Joseph Aidoo, Alexander Djiku, Nicholas Opoku, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah (Defenders); Abdul Samed Salis, Baba Iddissu, Andre Ayew, Elisha Owusu, Edmund Addo, Mohammed Kudus, Ransford Koningsdorffer (Midfielders); and Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Osman Bukari, Joseph Painstil, Jonathan Sowah (Forwards).
Missing
Seven regular players had their names missing from the squad due to injury.
They include Arsenal star Thomas Partey, Daniel Amartey, Majeed Ashimeru, Joseph Wollacott, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Mohammed Salisu, and Benjamin Tetteh.
Their injuries were sustained between July and August and were mostly during training sessions with their respective Clubs.
On Salisu Mohammed, the Black Stars team Doctor, Prince Pambo says he is undergoing rehabilitation with his club on account of a long-standing injury.
New Player
Medeama SC striker Jonathan Sowah has received his first call-up to the Black Stars.
His inclusion follows his impressive 12 goals at club level in the previous premier league season.
Return
Elisha Owusu and Baba Iddrisu are making a return to the squad after recovering from injuries.
Also is goalkeeper Richard Ofori.
