C.K Akonnor names 23-man Squad with Several debut call-ups

C.K Akonnor handed some players their first call-ups with France-born Alexander Djiku and talented youngster Sulemana Kamaldeen named in the Black Stars squad for the first time.

Slovakia-based Benson Anang of MSK Zilina, Tanzania-based Yakubu Mohammed of Azam FC and Emmanuel Lomotey of French second tier side Amiens were also given their first call-ups in the 23-man squad.

There were no home based players in the squad as the Ghana coach named only players playing active football, with the exception of Razak Abalorah. Despite being without a club after leaving Tanzania, the goalkeeper Razak Abalorah finds a place in the squad returning to the team after good performances before leaving his previous club.

There are several returnees to the squad with Besiktas key player Bernard Mensah returning to the team for the first time in five years.

Returning to the Black Stars team is also history making striker John Antwi of Pyramids who hit the 100 goal mark in his career in Egypt.

Another returnee is outstanding Switzerland based goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi who has been master class since joining the St Gallen from the French club Sochaux last season.

The absence of some top players and high performing stars including John Boye, Jonathan Mensah and Mubarak Wakaso will dominate the talking points as call-ups to Ghana national teams usually does.

The Black Stars play Mali on 9 September in the Turkish city of Antalya in preparation of the national team in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.

Squad list:

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg), Richard Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Razak Abalora (Unattached)

Full Backs: Benson Anang (Zilina FC), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Club), Yakubu Mohammed (Azam FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes)

Centre Backs: Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Joseph Aidoo (Celta de Vigo), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim)

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Bernard Mensah (Besiktas), Baba Iddrisu (RCD Mallorca)

Attackers/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Eugene Ansah (Hapoel Shmona), Jefferey Schlupp (Crystal Palace), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha FC), Kamaldeen (Nordsjaelland SC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax SC)

By: Mohammed Bushran/@Bushran233