Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince Boateng have been put on standby in the full Ghana squad to face Zambia in the decisive 2014 World Cup qualifier next month, a radio station in Kumasi, Metro FM, has reported.
Revealing a 28-man squad for the match in Kumasi, the radio station reported that AC Milan ace Sulley Muntari and Fulham star midfielder Derek Boateng were not included in the supposed Black Stars squad.
According to the radio station, the Black Stars squad for the crucial match against the Chipolopolo does not include Jordan Ayew, but some players like goalkeeper Razak Brimah and Yussif Chibsah who impressed in the recent friendly against Turkey were included.
Andre Ayew and Kevin Boateng, according to the report, have been put on the standby list as the Ghana national team awaits official letters announcing the rescinding of their decision to retire from the Black Stars by today.
According to Metro FM, Coach Akwasi Appiah has handed in his list to the association’s officials so they can notify their clubs of their call ups in time as per FIFA rules.
The squad is being assembled for next month’s crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia and then an international friendly game against Japan.
Goalkeeper Razak Braimah maintains his place in the team following his impressive debut in the friendly against Turkey.
He is joined in that department by Fatau Dauda and Adam Kwarasey. Samuel Inkoom is also retained while Daniel Opare also wins a spot following an impressive display in the Istanbul friendly.
Richard Kissi-Boateng is coach Appiah’s preferred choice at left back but uncertainties over his red card issue has seen the Black Stars coach throw in Baba Abdul Rahman as an alternative.
The same can be said about John Boye who has not fully recovered from an injury. Either Lee Addy or Jerry Akaminko have been marked down as alternatives.
Jonathan Mensah maintains his place with Harrison Afful, Awal Mohammed and Rashid Sumaila completing the defence in the squad cited by Metro941.com.
New kid on the block Yussif Rahman Chibsah retains his place with regulars Mubarak Wakaso, Rabiu Mohammed, Kwadwo Asamoah, Christian Atsu, Solomon Asante and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu making up the midfield.
Abdul Majeed Waris makes a return despite not playing a game for his Russian club Spartak Moscow since returning from injury.
He will be competing for a starting place to join Asamoah Gyan in attack alongside Mahatma Otoo, Dominic Adiyiah and Albert Adomah.
Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda, Adam Kwarasey and Razak Braimah. Defenders: Daniel Opare, Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Afful, Richard Kissi/Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye/Lee Addy/Jerry Akaminko, Rashid Sumaila, Awal Mohammed.
Midfielders: Christian Atsu, Solomon Asante, Rabiu Mohammed, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mubarak Wakaso, Yussif Rahman Chibsah, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.
Strikers: Asamoah Gyan, Mahatma Otoo, Abdul Majeed Waris, Dominic Adiyiah and Albert Adomah.
Standby: Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince Boateng.