Sports News of Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Source: Africa Sports

Ghana's final AFCON squad

With barely a month to the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, several Ghanaian football disciples are understandably anxious about the 23 gallant warriors who will be doing battle for the nation.

The head coach of the Black Stars, Kwasi Appiah has kept his cards so close to his chest, he is in no mood for any kind of discussion on the issue.

Recent reports in the media suggesting he granted an interview to some journalists denying he harboured no intentions of dropping Jordan Ayew for Abdul Majeed Warris have been rubbished by him.

Employing distinct, unambiguous language, he told ARICA SPORTS he has had no form of discussion with any journalist on neither the specific Jordan/Warris subject nor his squad for the AFCON 2013.

“I find it strange and unacceptable anyone would give direct quotes to statements I’m purported to have made when I have granted no such interviews,” Appiah lamented.

Tomorrow is expected to be a critical time in the preparation of the final squad to be presented to the FA as Kwasi Appiah and his assistant Maxwell Konadu meet to “finalise” the squad.

You win absolutely no prizes for guessing the likes of Adam Kwarasey, Isaac Vorsah, John Boye, Jerry Akaminko, Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah, Christian Atsu and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu will make the final squad, barring any unforeseen hiccups.

The big decisions will be made on whether Jordan and Andre Ayew will both make the trip, and whether Samuel Inkoom and John Painstil will both make the trip.

What happens to Sulley Muntari who returned to the pitch only recently and is struggling to gain full fitness before January 19th when the AFCON commences in Johannesburg? What becomes the fate of Arsenal’s Emmanuel Frimbong, now on loan at Charlton Athletic?

Will the likes of Lee Addy, Rashid Sumaila and Afriyie Acquah make the squad? These are the big decisions Kwasi Appiah and Maxwell Konadu will make tomorrow and forward their final decision to the FA on Thursday.

Possible Black Stars sqaud according to the AFRICA SPORTS newspaper.

Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey, Fatau Dauda, Daniel Nii Adjie

Defenders: Isaac Vorsah, John Boye, Harrison Afful, Jerry Akaminko, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, John Paintsil, Lee Addy

Midfielders: Derek Boateng, Solomon Asante, Mubarak Wakasu, Rabiu Mohammed, Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Christain Atsu, Andre Dede Ayew.

Attackers: Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Majeed Warris, Emmanuel Clottey