Ghana’s head coach, Chris Hughton, has finalized the 27-man squad for the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The squad features key players expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming tournament, showcasing a blend of international experience and emerging talent.
Notable inclusions in the squad are the in-form forward from West Ham, Mohammed Kudus, who boasts an impressive goal-scoring record with 10 goals in all competitions. Adding firepower to the striking department is Athletic Bilbao’s prolific striker, Inaki Williams, who brings eight goals to the team.
Overcoming early-season injury struggles, Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu is set to fortify the defensive lineup, providing solidity at the back. Hughton, in a press conference at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, emphasized the need for bold decisions in finalizing the squad.
Exclusions from the squad include Baba Rahman and Fatawu Issahaku, who opted out, along with the injured duo Kamaldeen Sulemana and Tariq Lamptey. Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey earned a well-deserved spot, recognized for his outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League. Lamptey is one of the three home-based players in the squad, joined by Medeama’s Fatawu Hamidu and striker Jonathan Sowah.
The squad is scheduled to commence its camp in Kumasi from January 2, gearing up for the challenging Group B encounters against Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. The Black Stars, four-time African champions, embark on their AFCON 2023 journey with a tough match against Cape Verde on January 14.
Full 27-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Lawrence Ati Zigi
- Richard Ofori
- Jojo Wollacott
Defenders:
- Alidu Seidu
- Dennis Odoi
- Kingsley Schindler
- Gideon Mensah
- Issahaku Fatawu
- Daniel Amartey
- Nich Opoku
- Alexander Djiku
- Mohammed Salisu
Midfielders:
- Samed Salis
- Baba Iddrisu
- Majeed Ashimeru
- Elisha Owusu
- Richmond Lamptey
- Mohammed Kudus
- Andre Ayew
- Ransford Konigsdorffer
- Osman Bukari
- Joseph Paintsil
- Jordan Ayew
- Ernest Nuamah
Strikers:
- Inaki Williams
- Antoine Semenyo
- Jonathan Sowah
With expectations soaring, the nation eagerly anticipates the performance of this final squad, carrying the collective hopes and aspirations of a passionate football-loving nation into the prestigious tournament.