Since taking over the Black Stars job in March on a temporary basis, Otto Addo and his other technical team have shown the desire to play the best of football not just in one department but across all parts of the field.
It may not be as evident as in the games against Nigeria but the subsequent once and the call-ups announced is a clear example of what Addo wants to do with the Black Stars.
Among the many options available is the decision to pick tricky, direct and pacy wingers – a criterion which best fits one of Ghana’s youth products – Frank Acheampong.
The former U-20 speedster after quite a spell with the senior national team has been away for some time due to coaches preferring other options.
However, Acheampong could be an option for the team again ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar later this year.
In the latest Black Stars call-up for the Brazil and Nicaragua friendlies, the players invited for the wings detail what the head coach wants for his team.
It is also worth knowing that Ghana boasts of one of the youngest squads in Africa at the moment to have secured World Cup qualification.
However, Acheampong could come as one of the experienced wide players to bring on board what he has seen over the few years with the national team.
The 28-year-old Ghanaian competed for his country in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, as the Black Stars advanced to the finals following their defeat to Egypt in 2010.
He was essential in helping Ghana go to the competition’s final when they were ultimately defeated by Côte d’Ivoire on penalties after a goalless match.
Despite being one of the greatest young players at the competition, Acheampong was among the penalty shooters who missed their spot shot as Ghana lost.
Acheampong’s time with Black Stars
The former U-20 star has featured 23 times of the senior national team since making his debut in August 22012.
During that time, the Shenzhen forward has scored twice for the Black Stars.
Though his last appearance came during the international friendly against Japan, Acheampong’s recent club performances could be a spark to being considered for a national team return.
Currently, the Shenzhen F.C attacker is among the top 3 fastest players globally on FIFA 2022. He is only rated behind Adama Traore and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. In a granular FIFA 22 analysis, he was rated with a pace 94, overall speed 77, potential 77, and a value of £10 million. This arsenal cannot be left home while Ghana must make an impact global at all costs.
In this season’s campaign in the Chinese Super League, the former FIFA U20 World Cup medallist has netted 6 times in 12 league games. He adds goals to his games.
Despite lasting just 22 minutes in his last international appearance for Ghana, Acheampong provided an assist for Thomas Partey to score the equaliser for the Black Stars who drew 2-2 with Iceland in an international friendly.
With few months to the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar in November, the winger could be a great addition to the squad for the Mundial when Ghana takes on Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
