Head Coach Chris Hughton has selected 27 players for the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire with Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey missing from the list.
Notable names that made the squad include Mohammed Kudus, West Ham’s in-form forward, who has been a prolific goal-scorer with 10 goals in all competitions. Inaki Williams, Athletic Bilbao’s striker, brings additional firepower to the team, boasting an impressive record of eight goals.
The leadership core remains intact with captain Andre Ayew, though his deputy Thomas Partey is excluded due to ongoing injury concerns. Despite starting training last month, Partey is not expected to return to action soon, leading to the decision to omit him from the squad.
Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu, overcoming early-season injury struggles, strengthens the defensive lineup.
In a press conference at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Chris Hughton announced the squad, emphasizing the necessity of making bold decisions. Excluded players include Baba Rahman and Fatawu Issahaku, both opting out, as well as the injured duo Kamaldeen Sulemana and Tariq Lamptey.
A noteworthy addition is Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey, recognized for outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League. Lamptey joins two other home-based players, Fatawu Hamidu and striker Jonathan Sowah of Medeama, in the squad.
The final 27-man squad will commence its camp in Kumasi from January 2, preparing for the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast. The Black Stars, four-time African champions, find themselves in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Their AFCON 2023 journey kicks off with a formidable match against Cape Verde on January 14, followed by crucial encounters against Egypt and Mozambique.
The full 27-man squad below
Goalkeepers:
- Lawrence Ati Zigi
- Richard Ofori
- Jojo Wollacott
Defenders:
- Alidu Seidu
- Dennis Odoi
- Kingsley Schindler
- Gideon Mensah
- Issahaku Fatawu
- Daniel Amartey
- Nich Opoku
- Alexander Djiku
- Mohammed Salisu
Midfielders:
- Samed Salis
- Baba Iddrisu
- Majeed Ashimeru
- Elisha Owusu
- Richmond Lamptey
- Mohammed Kudus
- Andre Ayew
- Ransford Konigsdorffer
- Osman Bukari
- Joseph Paintsil
- Jordan Ayew
- Ernest Nuamah
Strikers:
- Inaki Williams
- Antoine Semenyo
- Jonathan Sowah
As the stakes are high, the nation eagerly awaits the performance of this final squad, carrying the hopes and aspirations of a football-loving nation into the prestigious tournament.
