Today has been a busy day in Ghana football as news circulated the country that Chris Houghton might face the sack subject to the government’s approval. Also, his call-up for the November games was expected and he delivered.
The government rejects the GFA’s decision to sack Chris Houghton
Chris Houghton was facing the sack per rumours this morning and information reaching Sportsworldghana indicates that the government refused to accept his sacking because the FA did not give a convincing reason hence he has been giving two games ultimatum to turn things around.
Chris Houghton’s 25-man squad
Chris Houghton released his 25-man squad with a surprising call-up for clubless Andre Ayew. The 33-year-old skipper missed Ghana’s last two friendly games against Mexico and the USA. Another headline news in the 25-man squad is the debut of Rayo Vallecano centre-back Abdul Mumin.
Returnees
Daniel Amartey, Kasim Adams KamalDeen Sulemana and Osman Bukari have returned to the team after missing the USA tour. Skipper Dede Ayew returns alongside Denis Odoi, Majeed Ashimeru and Baba Iddrisu.
Absentees
Thomas Partey misses due to muscle problems. Celta Vigo centre-back Joseph Aidoo misses out due to an ankle injury he sustained when playing for Ghana which will keep him out for many months.
Abdul Nurudeen, Elisha Owusu, Stephan Ambrosius, Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer, Jerome Opoku and Kingsley Schindler all miss out.
Mohammed Salisu is still out after being out for over six months.
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Wollacott and Richard Ofori have been the regular goalkeepers for Ghana for almost two years. Their call-up is always expected though many Ghanaians still have doubts about the keepers.
Defenders
Ghana’s defence was exposed in the USA. 6 goals in two games was embarrassing.
The return of Daniel Amartey is expected to bring the needed leadership.
Midfielders
Edmund Addo’s call-up to the National team remains a mystery as he gets another call-up once again to represent Ghana. Playmakers like Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Nuamah Ernest, Osman Bukari and KamalDeen Sulemana are expected to lift the spirit of the Black Stars.
Attackers
Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams and Jonathan Sowah are the strikers Chris Houghton chose to represent the Black Stars.
Debutants
Rayo Vallecano’s in-form 25-year-old centre-back Abdul Mumin earned his first call-up to the senior national team. It comes as no surprise looking at how Mumin is playing now.
Those who deserve a call-up
With 65 days more to the 2023 AFCON, we will likely miss Partey. Alfred Duncan of Fiorentina deserves a call-up alongside Jeffrey Schlup of Crystal Palace.
Locally based players
Medeama duo Abdul Fatawu Hamid and Jonathan Sowah are the only local players to get a call-up.
Ghana’s next two games
Ghana will play against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium on 17th November and away to Comoros on 21st November.
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