Here we go….
Coach Otto Addo finally released the latest Black Stars list yesterday, after everyone was kept in suspense for many weeks, ahead of their crucial match against West African rivals, Nigeria.
With three debutants and some players coming back into the fold, it’s clear that we are light in the striking department as a team. Reports were that Jordan Ayew will miss the first leg of this encounter due to COVID-19. But subsequent tests have come up with a negative result.
Only one local player makes the squad this time around. Dennis Korsah, a plundering left back for Hearts of Oak, earns his first call-up. I am quite excited that Africa will finally get to witness the exploits of Felix Afena-Gyan, Ghana’s new golden boy, up close on the field. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his first goal for Ghana against Nigeria in these two games.
Is the team well-prepared to conquer our West African counterparts? There is, I must acknowledge, reason for optimism. Mohammed Kudus’ return will add some spice to the team’s midfield, which will be the driving force in both legs of this crucial contest. The form of Thomas Partey, the EPL’s current top midfielder, might be vital in Ghana’s do-or-die battle.
To add to this feeling of confidence, the first leg’s venue was relocated to Kumasi. We all recall what happened in Kumasi when Ghana hosted Egypt in 2014.That’s firmly behind us. We are looking forward to seeing a new narrative that will be written in Kumasi on Friday.
The absence of Dede Ayew allows new coach Otto Addo to find alternatives with his attacking options. If we want to make huge strides in qualifying, as well as in Qatar come November, it is critical that we adopt multiple variations as a squad that we can play with as the tournament unfolds.
Friday, March 25th is likely to be regarded as the start of a new forward-looking chapter for the Black Stars, or as the day when the team’s management pressed the reset button to begin the rebuilding process. Regardless of what happened in Cameroon, all we can do now is to root for the Stars and hope that they will shine brightly in Kumasi and make us proud.
Kwesi Gyasi Otoo (@kwesi_lazintus)
