Eli Kondoh's view.
1. RASHID SUMAILA
Rashid Sumaila has had an amazing season with Kuwaiti side Al Qadsia. The former Ebusua Dwarfs defenders did not escape the lenses of Kuwaiti football authorities as he was awarded the best foreign player and best defender of the season. Sumaila was part of Kwesi Appiah’s team that represented the country in Brazil two years ago. He has however not been part of the team since Grant’s arrival but with his stellar performances in Kuwait which handed his side the league title in the just ended season it will be a SHOCKER if he is not included in Ghana’s squad for the Mauritius game on June 5th.
2. THOMAS PARTEY
The 22 year old has been a regular feature for Athletico this season following Thiago’s injury, despite making most of his appearances from the bench. He was part of the team that edged out Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League en route to the finals. Athletico narrowly out on winning the league when they lost to Levante but Thomas Partey’s lightening rise in Spain is part of Athletico’s solid display this season. As a defensive midfielder he fits well in the Ghana Squad and cannot be overlooked this time.
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Astana's Ghanaian forward from Ghana Patrick Twumasi celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League group C football match between FC Astana and SL Benfica at the Astana Arena stadium in Astana on November 25, 2015.
3. PATRICK TWUMASI
With Asamoah Gyan nursing injuries recently, Patrick Twumasi is a perfect replacement for the Black Stars skipper. Twumasi was instrumental in Astana’s league triumph that saw them represent Khazakstan in the Champions league but unfortunately his four goals could not help them progress out of the group stages. The quick footed striker has scored 17 goals in 32 appearances for Astana in the 2015/16 season.
4. MALIK AKOWUAH
One of the outstanding players in the local league, Malik Akowuah has established himself as a midfield general with his ability to control games. He joins the defense and attack with ease and dictates the pace of games. Medeama’s progress into the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup is largely attributed to the performances he has shown so far this season. He also has the ability to score goals. The Black stars Coach can count on him when the need arises.
5. SADDICK ADAMS
Famously known for his thunderbolt strikes in the 2007 FIFA U-17 world Cup in Korea, where he formed an amazing partnership with Ransford Osei, the striker’s career hit a snag at some point before he had stints in Europe and Asia, it didn’t work for him. Adams came back home to re-launch his career with Berekum Chelsea where he has been instrumental with the Blues scoring 6 goals already in the Ghana Premier league. Adams is not just a goal scorer he also a goal creator which makes him a team player.
6. SAMUDEEN IBRAHIM
“Samudeen! Samudeen! Samudeen!,” this was the name that was sung by every football loving fan of the Ghana Premier League on match day 1. Samudeen Ibrahim was superb on the day, before that he had surprisingly beaten Joel Fameye to the Division One player of the year award, which means he was building on the reputation he has already carved for himself. Signed from King Solomon by Accra Hearts of Oak, the young midfielder has the dexterity needed to make a footballer a world class material, he is back from injury and if there is a slot in the squad for an attacking midfielder then the ideal man should be Samudeen Ibrahim.
The Black Stars lack creativity in midfield but with Ibrahim on board, a different wind of attack can blow for the stars.
7. JOE DODOO
It sounds alien, yes, of course not many would know him but baring the name Dodoo means he has a lineage in Ghana, West Africa. Joe Dodoo, at just 20 has featured for Premier League Champions Leicester City. The young winger has the pace and ability to take on defenders with ease. He has already capped for England’s U-18 and to prevent the “Danny Welbeck” situation, it will be wise to get him play for the Black Stars.
This is a youngster with banks of talent under his sleeve.
8. LATIF ATTA BLESSING
With 9 goals already from 11 games what more can you ask of an attacker? Latif Atta Blessing has been the best player of the season so far. His nimble feet together with his pace are troubling and he has the flair and panache that will provide you with the kind of fun you need in a football game. Latif without doubt deserve a call up.
9. MUNTARI TAGOE
Fresh from the Medeama victory over Mamelodi sundowns, Mintari Tagoe is one player who is always overlooked by the Coaches of the Black stars. Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey is out due to injury and if there is any better replacement for the Portland Timbers goalie then it should be Muntari Tagoe. He has quick reflexes, amazing command of the back four and he is also a leader.
10. YAHAYA MOHAMMED
The “tormentor” is what some call him and indeed he is tormenting defenses. Yahaya Mohammed did not start the league well but when he got into his strides he has shown why Aduana Stars are a title winning team. He is powerful, strong on the ball and fearful. He has got good aerial ability something most of our strikers lack.