Black Star’s All Stars

GHANA has name it’s 23 man squad that will take part in the ANC (African Nations Cup). The team includes an array of European talents such as Michael Essien and Kwadwo Asamoah, but also features a selection of the youngsters that secured Ghana the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

The Black Star’s have been hit injuries which have hampered their ANC preparations. Amongst the list of absentees are big-name players Stephen Apiah and John Paintsil, both of whom were part of the Black Stars impressive 2006 World Cup campaign. Regular midfielder Sulley Muntari was also controversially dropped by manager Milovan Rajevac regarding disciplinary problems.

In their place comes Ghana’s ‘wave of the future’, with six members of the Under-20’s World Cup winning side making the squad to Angola.

In a team laden with quality and potential, here are three names to look out for.

MICHAEL ESSIEN

Michael Essien is the midfield rock on which Rajevac has built his team. Despite missing most of the second round of qualifying through injury, he returned to spearhead the Black Stars storm to the top of their final qualifying table.

Essien plays predominantly as a defensive-midfielder at Chelsea, but enjoys a more attack orientated role as Ghana’s captain. The 27-year-old is a hard working, tough tackler, who is renowned as a creative lynchpin; quickly linking defensive support into attacking threats. In 2006 after a fantastic individual World Cup, Essien won the BBC African footballer of the year. In 2010, the pressure will definitely be on ‘the bison’ to repeat his heroics if Ghana are to win their first ANC title in 28 years.

KEY PLAYER: Michael Essien will have to be at his best to see the Black Stars reach the final.

ERIC ADDO

Addo is a defender many claim to be Ghana’s unsung hero. The 31-year-old centre-back has had an injury hit career, subsequently suffering multiple spells in the international wilderness. However during the 2010 ANC qualification campaign, he secured a regular starting place. With usual centre-back partner John Mensah injured, the pressure will be on utility man Addo to take control of a sometimes shaky back four.

At 6ft tall, Addo is a capable header of the ball as well as being blessed with strength and pace. A born leader, Addo’s organisational skills mean Ghana will be a tough outfit to break down. Like Pique at Barcelona, the contribution he makes to the team is often overshadowed by his more illustrious team mates, but he is undoubtedly a key player who absence will be sorely noted if he becomes injured.

TIME TO LEAD: Eric Addo keeping the Ivory Coast quiet in the 2008 ANC.

DOMINICH ADIYIAH

A star emerges at every tournament and the 2010 ANC may be Dominich Adiyiah’s turn. The 20-year-old Milan striker finished the 2010 Under-20 World Cup as Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner and will be gunning to secure a starting place in an injury hit Ghana team.

Adiyiah has scored 17 goals in 16 games for the under-20’s and is touted as a future African great. The small forward possesses pace, a lethal finish and an enviable eye for goal. With enthusiasm and everything to prove, Adiyiah may win headlines and help Ghana progress to the final stages.

FIRST OF MANY: Dominic Adiyiah is presented with the Golden Boot and Golden Ball alongside beaten Brazilians Giuliano (left) and Alex Teixeiras (right)

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts of Oak)

Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), Samuel Inkoom (Basel) Eric Addo (Roda JC) Isaac Vorsah (TSG Hoffenheim) Jonathan Mensah (Granada), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea) Harrison Afful (Esperance)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Ayew (Zamalek) Michael Essien (Chelsea) Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Sampdoria), Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese) Moussa Narry (Auxerre) Andre Ayew (Arles-Avagnon)

Attackers: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda) Asamoah Gyan (Rennes), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan) Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow)