Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has named Richard Kingson, Jordan Ayew and Sulley Muntari among six returnees in a strong squad to play Egypt in this month’s 2014 World Cup final playoffs against Egypt.
The 25-man squad for the first-leg of the playoff, also includes Arsenal star Emmanuel Frimpong, Portugal-based David Addy and defender Jerry Akaminko who have not been called to the squad in their recent matches.
Talented Germany-based left-back, who was not included in the previous matches against Zambia and Japan was also named in the strong team.
Key players Michael Essien, captain Asamoah Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah and Mubarak Wakaso were named as Ghana seeks to win the first leg of the clash in Kumasi handsomely before the return match.
In a clear indication of his desire to accomplish that mission, experienced goalkeeper Kingson was recalled to boost the goalkeeping ranks following the anxiety in the department in recent months.
The commanding shot-stopper has not played for Ghana in many months because of his clublessness but following his move to Cyprus who he is the first choice at Doxa Katokopia, Kingson will challenge Fatau Dauda and Adam Kwarasey for the starting place.
Jordan Ayew, who is growing in confidence at Marseille following his recent good showing for the French club, returns for the first time since missing the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in January.
AC Milan ace Sulley Muntari is also included in the team after ironing out his differences with the coach following a recent misunderstanding.
Defender Addy, whose last appearance for Ghana was in the friendly against Cape Verde in November last year, looks to have been recalled to the squad following the absence of Harrison Afful who is suspended.
His performances in Portugal for Guimaraes looks to have convinced coach Appiah of his qualities ahead of several candidates for the position.
Frimpong who impressed for the Black Stars in his debut against Sudan in Kumasi earlier this year returns to the fold after missing the matches against Lesotho and the return Sudan match through injury. He will form a strong partnership with the outstanding Michael Essien in the middle of the park.
Akaminko return for the first time since the Nations Cup in January while Baba Rahman has recovered from the setback that kept him out of the matches against Zambia and Japan.
With Essien, Gyan, Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin Prince Boateng in the squad Egypt should expect a strong Ghana showing in Kumasi in probably the best squad called by the Ghana coach in months with only Isaac Vorsah being the key player exclusion because of injury.
The winner of the tie will qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the second leg is scheduled for Cairo in November.
A commanding result in the first leg is what the Black Stars must secure to avoid the uncertainty of the second leg in Egypt.
Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Adam Kwarasey (Stromgodset, Norway), Richard Kingson (Doxa Katokopias, Cyprus)
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Baba Abdul Rahman (Greuther Furth Germany), John Boye (Rennes, France), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), Rashid Sumaila (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Mohammed Awal (Maritzburg United, South Africa)
Midfielders: Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal, England) Sulley Muntari (AC Milan, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus, Italy), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Kevin Prince Boateng (Schalke, Germany), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough, England), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem, Holland), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France)
Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Abdul Majeed Waris (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France), Mahatma Otoo (Sogndal, Norway)
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
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