Team profile: Ghana
These African debutants bring with them a CV worthy of respect. The “Black Stars” have been African champions four times and World Champions at Under 17 level twice. Their first appearance is seen as an opportunity to finally live up to their potential, something which has so often been mismanaged d
FIFA Ranking: 48
Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic
Key players: Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Samuel Kuffour
World Cup record: First appearance
Qualifying route: Won African Group 2
Key question: Can a side whose star player is a defensive midfielder score the goals that will be needed for Ghana to sparkle?
Squad:
Goalkeepers | # |
Sammy Adjei | 1 |
George Owu | 16 |
Richard Kingston | 22 |
Defenders | |
Hans Sarpei | 2 |
Samuel Osei Kuffour | 4 |
John Mensah | 5 |
Emmanuel Pappoe | 6 |
Shilla Alhassan Illiasu | 7 |
Habib Mohammed | 13 |
John Pantsil | 15 |
Daniel Quaye | 17 |
Issah Ahmed | 21 |
Midfielders | |
Michael Essien | 8 |
Derek Boateng | 9 |
Stephen Appiah | 10 |
Sulley Ali Muntari | 11 |
Eric Addo | 18 |
Otto Addo | 20 |
Haminu Dramani | 23 |
Forwards | |
Asamoah Gyan | 3 |
Alex Tachie-Mensah | 12 |
Matthew Amoah | 14 |
Razak Pimpong | 19 |
Group matches:
v Italy, 19:00 GMT, Monday 12th June – Hanover
v Czech Republic, 16:00 GMT, Saturday 17th June – Cologne
v USA, 14:00 GMT, Thursday 22nd June – Nuremberg