The Black Stars haven't made it to the knockouts of a World Cup since South Africa in 2010. That year's edition saw them achieve their best finish at a FIFA tournament. At the first one to be held in Africa no less - that side will forever be remembered for the excitement they brought to African’s that summer. Ghana made it all the way to the quarterfinals in only their second World Cup appearance.
Ghana first participated at a World Cup in 2006 and would go on to make three tournaments in a row. But the West Africans failed to make it to Russia four years ago. There was a response this time round, winning a CAF third-round tie with Nigeria to book their place in Qatar. If you want to bet on the Black Stars to light up Qatar like they did South Africa, take a look at this bet365 bonus code for Ghanaian players.
AFCON Disaster
At the Africa Cup of Nations this year, Ghana, four-time winners of the competition, didn't make it to the knockout round for the first time since 2006 following a shock loss to tournament debutants Comoros.
Their embarrassing exit saw them fail to win a match and finish bottom of their group.
The Black Stars responded with the sacking of coach Milovan Rajevac and the hiring of Otto Addo. Addo, a former Ghanaian international, steadied the ship and brought them to World Cup qualification after taking over. It hasn't all been plain sailing though.
The Black Stars Response
Ghana have struggled for form since narrowly beating Nigeria for a place in Qatar in a game overshadowed by crowd violence in the second leg.
Some Ghanaians are already calling for Addo to be replaced before the World Cup. The country is going to extreme resorts in a bid to support their team, having two national days of prayer and fasting in a bid to reverse their fortunes ahead of this month's tournament.
Ghana have won just two of their 12 matches so far this year. They were held to a 1-1 draw by the Central African Republic, ranked 132 in the world by FIFA, in a game in June, before being hammered 4-1 by Japan and drawing 0-0 with Chile.
Results haven't gotten any better, they were beaten comprehensively by Brazil and only managed to record a 1-0 win over Guatemala in a recent friendly.
Looking Forward
Despite all of this, Ghana do have the players at their disposal become a powerhouse in African football again. Who knows? Perhaps they could even prove to be a surprise package at the World Cup, where they have been drawn with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H.
Several of their most recognisable players play at the highest level in the Premier League, they can count on Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, highly rated Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu, Leicester defender Daniel Amartey and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew to all help the side in Qatar.
Ghana also have a very dangerous and energetic forward in Inaki Williams, the Athletic Bilbao striker who ditched Spain in favour of playing for Ghana, and Mohammed Kudus, the Ajax star who is making all of Europe take note.
How Far Can They Go?
Ghana will face Switzerland on November 17, a week before their World Cup starts in Doha against Portugal. We should get a better idea of what kind of tournament is in stall for the Black Stars then. Recent form aside, they have the squad and the potential - the country will be hoping they switch into gear in time to make a showing at the tournament.