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2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Group F preview

By Liam Bekker

An Egyptian youth holds a replica model of the Afican Cup of Nations trophy in one hand an a national flag in the other as he stands outside a shop selling trophies and medals and other sports memorabilia in the capital Cairo's downtown district on June 17, 2019. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images)
An Egyptian youth holds a replica model of the Afican Cup of Nations trophy in one hand an a national flag in the other as he stands outside a shop selling trophies and medals and other sports memorabilia in the capital Cairo's downtown district on June 17, 2019. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Ghana’s Daniel Orare reacts during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Kenya and Ghana, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
Ghana’s Daniel Orare reacts during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Kenya and Ghana, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) /

Ghana

Ghana are taking part in their 23rd Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The four-time champions have qualified for every edition of the tournament since 2006 and have achieved at least a top four finish on each occasion since 2008. Despite their recent success, the Black Stars have not won the AFCON title since 1982.

Qualification

In a group disrupted by the disqualification of Sierra Leone, Ghana qualified as table-toppers ahead of Kenya and Ethiopia. The Ghanaian’s recorded nine points from a possible twelve which included a memorable 5-0 win over Ethiopia in their opening match. They averaged two goals per game, having scored eight goals across their four matches, and qualified two points ahead of second-placed Kenya.

The squad

Ahead of Cameroon’s squad announcement, the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, Asamoah Gyan, announced his retirement from international duty after being dropped as national team captain. His decision caused such an uproar that Ghana president Akufo-Addo personally contacted him and convinced him to reconsider his retirement.

A presidential request is hard to turn down and Gyan is now part of the squad, alongside the likes of Kwadwo Asamoah, Thomas Partey and the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan. Defenders Musa Nuhu and Daniel Amartey miss out through injury.

Key player: Thomas Partey

Gyan might be the player everyone is talking about but at 33 he’s unlikely to make the same contribution as he has in years gone by. Instead, Ghana will look to a player like Thomas Partey to star from them Egypt. A midfielder by trade, Partey will not grab the headlines with goals like Gyan and the Ayews but his ability to control the center of the park will be equally important.

A predominantly defensive player, the Atletico Madrid star is adept at breaking up play and frustrating opposition attackers. His defensive skills are among the best in the world but the hallmark of his game is his ability to facilitate the transition from defense to attack once the ball is won. Ghana will look for him to do just that, and if he’s on form then the nation stands a good chance of challenging for a fifth title.

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