The Ghana Black Stars are believed to be in a do-or-die affair as they face Angola and Niger today and Monday respectively, in a struggle to qualify for the upcoming AFCON.
Niger’s 4 – 0 win over Sudan on Thursday opened up Group F for a whole twist of possibilities as things are uncertain. The 4 time African champions are on the verge of losing their spot in the AFCON for the first time since 2004.
The team, however, has been in great struggle organizing and making meaningful strides in the tournament. As though the struggles are not enough, the team is set to do without some key players, making qualification look almost impossible. Otto Addo’s team will have to manage as players such as Alexander Djiuku, Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams have been ruled out due to various reasons.
Here, Afenya Media Sports’ Gifty Dekagbe takes a look at some of those players and the inflicting effects their absence will have on the team in particular and our chances of qualifying in general.
ALEXANDER DJIKU
Alexander Djiku has been loyal and lethal in Ghana’s defense since his call up into the Black Stars in September 2020. This year, the 20 year old center-back has been involved in Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbache set-up, improving in both domestic league and the Europa League.
He has been a strong pillar for the Black Stars in their previous games, capturing the admiration of fans and the trust of his colleagues. He suffered a hamstring injury and has consequently pulled out of the team’s AFCON Qualifying games against Angola and Niger. His absence, definitely, will be gravely felt by the team, particularly given the team’s struggle at the back.
IBRAHIM OSMAN
Osman is still working hard to set himself up in the Black Stars team due to his restricted appearances when called up are not reflection of his known talent. There are no questions about his quality on a good day. He could serve as a great substitute on match day or even encourage the team from the start, much like he did during his time at Nordsjaelland. Currently on loan at Feyenoord from Brighton, Osman did well as a youngster in the Eredivisie and has two goals with two assists. He also had to withdraw from the team due to injury.
ANTOINE SEMENYO
Speed and ideal passing have made him a nightmare for the defense opposing teams. The Bournemouth top scorer has 4 goals and 1 assist. Ghana currently has an unfortunate difficulty in goal scoring and Semenyo’s absence is a big blow to the team. He is currently nursing an injury of patella tendon due to an overload of games, Ghana Football Association explained.
INAKI WILLIAMS
Another critical blow dealt the Ghanaian team is the withdrawal of Inaki Williams for the two ciritical games due to a hamstring injury picked up from early November. The incident has denied Otto Addo of a forceful attacking weapon. The Athletic Bilbao winger, who has an impressive statistics – 5 goals, 4 assists – missed Bilbaos 1-1 draw against Valladolid in the La Liga. Ghana would need all the help they can and the absence of Inaki does not help the situation.
JOSEPH PAINTSIL
Ghana will miss the swiftness of one of its promising wingers. Joseph Paintsil, unfortunately, withdrew from the squad due to what he called personal issues. His artfulness on the wings coupled with his goal-scoring skills have made him critically needed at the time as Ghana is on the brink of not qualifying for the upcoming AFCON. He is a utility player who has played various positions as an attacking midfielder, defender and a winger. Currently at LA Galaxy, he has an impressive performance of 11 goals and 7 assists.
To be or not to be, the Ghana Black Stars are on serious crossroads. The squad seems to quickly cast off the effects of these absence of key players. For now, their concentration is on winning both matches as the nation prays on some possible miracle to shore us through to Morocco.
They cannot fail and somehow, these injuries and absence might just help the other players to show their commitment by qualifying. Whatever it is, the nation awaits.