In form Jonathan Mensah back as Coach Akonnor names new keeper in Black Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers

K.A.S. Eupen of Belgium goalkeeper, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen is the shock inclusion in Black Stars helmsman, Charles Akonnor’s 30-man squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa next month.

The 22-year-old has been handed an opportunity after impressing in the Belgian top-flight.

There is also a recall for Columbus Crew defender Jonathan Mensah – who is returning to the side after a 25 months absence.

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah and forward Afriyie Barnieh both get debut call-ups for the double-header in September.

Akonnor has picked a provisional 30-man squad for the cracking game in Cape Coast and Johannesburg, also handing a call up to Sturm Graz of Austria’s Kelvin Yeboah.

There are also recalls for Majeed Ashimeru who had been in the international wilderness but are back in favour.

But there is no place for Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora who had hopes to be in as Richard Attah got the edge.

Stade Rennes star Kamaldeen Sulemana gets another shot at international action after he previously turned down chances to play in international friendlies against Morocco and Ivory Coast.

Ghana are scheduled to host Group G opponents Ethiopia on Friday, September 3 in Cape Coast in the Central Region before playing South Africa on Monday, September 6, 2021 in Johannesburg.

GOALKEEPERS: 

1. Richard Ofori – Orlando Pirates FC – South Africa
2. Lawrence Ati Zigi – St. Galen FC – Switzerland
3. Manaf Nurudeen – Kas Eupen – Belgium
4. Richard Atta– Hearts of Oak – Ghana
5. 5. nson Anang – Zilina FC – Slovakia
   6. Yiadom Andrew – Reading FC – England
   7. Baba Abdul Rahman – Chelsea FC – UK
   8. Gideon Mensah – FC Girondins Bordeaux – France
   9. Baffour Philimon – Dreams FC – Ghana

   CENTER BACKS

   10. Alexander Djiku – RC Strasbourg – France
   11. Daniel Amartey – Leicester City FC- England
   12. Ismael Ganiyu – Asante Kotoko – Ghana
   13. Jonathan Mensah – Columbus Crew – USA

   MIDFIELDERS

   14. Mubarak Wakaso – Shenzhen – China
   15. Iddrisu Baba – RCD Mallorca – Spain
   16. Thomas Partey – Arsenals FC – England
   17. Emmanuel Lomotey – Amiens FC – France

   WINGERS

   18. Joel Fameye – Orenburg FC – Russia
   19. Samuel Owusu – Al Fayhad – Saudi Arabia
   20. Gyasi Emmanuel – Spezia – Italy
   21. Kamal Deen Sulemana – Rennes FC – France
   22. Tariq Fosu – Henry – Brentford FC – England
   23. Isahaku Fatawu – Steadfast FC – Ghana

   ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS:

   24. Afriyie Banieh – Hearts of Oak – Ghana
   25. Kudus Mohamed – Ajax FC – Holland
   26. Majeed Ashimeru – RSC Anderlecht- Belgium

   STRIKERS

   27. Andre Ayew – Al Saad – Qatar
   28. Jordan Ayew – Crystal Palace – England
   29. Kwame Opoku – USM Algiers – Algeria
   30. Kelvin Yeboah – Sturm Graz – Austria