Racing Post

Cohesion may be an issue for new-look Black Stars

Joe Casey

IT IS 12 years sinnce Ghana’s famouus run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa annd they will be seeking revengee for that controversial defeat whhen they renew acquaintances wwith conquerors Uruguay inn this year’s group stage.

After a forgettable grroup exit in Brazil, the Blackk Stars failed to qualify aat all four years ago but toook a major scalp in returnning to the finals this year, beating Nigeria on pennalties in their qualification pllayoff.

That victory was sommething of a surprise given Ghaana’s disastrous Africa Cup ofo Nations campaign just two months earlier in whicch they took one pointp from three group gammes before being dumped out by minnows Comoros iin the last 16.

The Blacck Stars’ squad has undergonee the biggest change of any sidee in the lead-up to the finals, wwith a plethora of new playerrs declaring for the nation. Annd Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, Southampton’s Mohammmed Salisu and Athleticc Bilbao star Inaki Williamms all made Otto Addo’ss final squad. Arsennal star Thomas Partey annd the Ayew brothers are experieenced operators and there are a number of exciting young taleents coming through the ranks. Sporting midfielder Abdul Fataawu Issahaku and Ajax playmmaker Mohammed

Kudus are the standout youngsters and both have already made an impact on the international stage.

Uncapped duo Kamal Sowah and Salis Abdul Samed, who have impressed for Brugge and Lens this season, are both just 22 years of age.

There is less talent in goal, however, with St Gallen’s Lawrence Ati-Zigi likely to get the nod after Charlton number one Joe Wollacott was ruled out of the tournament.

The newly declared players are undoubtedly a boost for Black Stars boss Otto Addo, but moulding them into a coherent side in such a short space of time will be a challenge.

LAppointed in December 2021 to replace long-standing boss Oscar Tabarez. Alonso has brought immediate improvement, winning seven of his first nine games in charge.

• Boast three formidable striking

options

• Vast amounts of experience all over the pitch

Star man Federico Valverde has been one of the best players in world football this season

• Some of their star names are getting on

Didn’t really get the best out of their forwards in qualifying Right-back area could be problematic with Ronald Araujo only just back from injury

WORLD CUP 2022 GROUP H

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2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

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