On Monday, Otto Addo released his final 26-man squad for the global showcase, leaving some players out and taking some players along.
Sportsworldghana.com assessed the provisional squad which was selected by Otto Addo and have settled on an XI of players who unfortunately did not make the cut due to different reasons.
GK- Joseph Wollacott
Jojo Wollacott was nailed on number one for the Black Stars following his great performances in the last few months. But a finger injury totally ruled him out of the tournament.
RB-Andy Yiadom
Before the arrival of Tariq Lamptey, Yiadom was a regular face in the Black Stars squad. With Denis Odoi and Lamptey now competing for slots, Otto Addo had to drop him.
CB- Stephan Ambrosius
Ambrosius made the previous friendly squad but was unfortunately ruled out after he suffered an injury whilst playing for his club.
CB- Jonathan Mensah
Jonathan forms part of the old guard. With Salisu, Amartey and Djiku available, it looks like there is no place for him anytime soon.
LB- Jeffrey Schlupp
Schlupp’s exclusion sent alarm bells to Ghanaians. He is an important player for Crystal Palace, making over 200 Premier League appearances.
CDM- Baba Iddrisu
Iddrisu suffered an injury just days before Otto Addo named his final squad. It was an unfortunate turn of events.
CM- Majeed Ashimeru
Ashimeru has been a consistent force for Anderlecht this season. His exclusion was also something that shocked many Ghanaians.
CM- Mubarak Wakaso
His name splits opinions among the fanbase. He was reportedly in Otto Addo’s standby list and in the end didn’t make the main one.
LW- Ransford-Yeboah
The exciting young winger has lit up the 2. Bundesliga this season. But one could make the case that his age may not have helped.
RW- Joseph Paintsil
The biggest shock of all. Joseph Paintsil has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last 14 league matches this season. Many Ghanaians expected him to make the cut.
CF- Felix Afena-Gyan
Also, a name that splits the fanbase. He helped the team qualify for the World cup but has been poor at club level this season, scoring just one goal.
