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G6 Team Profile: GHANA
It’s quite a mystery as to why this is Ghana’s first trip to the World Cup.
The African nation is known for producing some talented, world-renowned players throughout the years. They have also won a stunning record four African Cup of Nations titles and two world under-17 crowns. But with all this glory, the Black Stars have never reached the world stage until now.
It’s kind of ironic that Ghana’s overdue success comes at a time when they don’t have as many superstar players as in the past. Instead, the tremendous success over the years at the youth level is influencing the 2006 national squad. Many attribute coach Ratomir Dujkovic’s disciplined approach toward his youthful team as a reason for their qualifying.
But of course, Ghana does have a couple of players who will surely be ones to shine in Germany. A lot is expected of the 23-year-old midfielder Michael Essien (Chelsea). His triumphant leadership at French club Lyon guided them to two national titles, catching the attention of Chelsea. Essien made a $43 million move this season to the English club, making him the most expensive transfer in African history. His power and prowess in the midfield gives him an apt nickname: “The Bison.” Out of the African Cup of Nations because of an ankle injury, Essien will be in full force this summer.
Captain Stephen Appiah (Fenerbahçe) is seen as a beast on the field who knows exactly how to create goals, or simply score them himself. Fans are excited to see the return of Sammy Kuffoir (AS Roma) after a conflict with Ghana’s federation. The defender spent nearly 10 seasons honing his skills at Bayern Munich, and is seen as a great asset to Ghana’s young squad. Also expect something out of Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese), a midfielder whom, at only 21 years old, has already learned a lot from his Italian club.
Comments
It is a real mistery for ghana not to have ever played a world cup. will this be the year they come out of their shell. with discipline this team can go places. believe me there will be a traffic jam throughout the USA for they will be on top of group e.
Posted by: rowland anku | June 5, 2006 09:29 PM
The Ghanaian team is a promising team and are capable of creating upsets.Watch out!
Posted by: Lambert Owusu | June 6, 2006 07:53 AM
Ghana is going to take the world by storm this summer.With their current level of discipline and commitment,they will advance to the second round.
Posted by: John Appiah(appiah_john@yahoo.com) | June 6, 2006 08:02 AM
Ghana will definetly be the surprise team in group E. Underestimate the black stars at your own risk. They are a well balanced and disciplined side with the potential to go places and advance to the next round.
Posted by: Jennifer Smith | June 6, 2006 09:20 AM
usa, ghana will top the group woo-hoo!
Posted by: Anonymous | June 6, 2006 11:37 AM
Ghana is truly a joke...its a wonder how they got in the world cup this year. If they were put in a respectful qualifing group strong teams like cameroon or Nigeria, then there would be no hope...just look at their performance in the African Cup of nations. The best ghana can do is maybey tie against Italy.
Posted by: WAWA | June 8, 2006 11:05 AM
...its a wonder how Ghana got in the world cup this year. If they were put in a respectful qualifing group with strong teams like cameroon or Nigeria, etc. then there would be no ghana in the world cup...just look at their performance in the African Cup of nations, A team that cant funtion or play decent with a star missing doesn't deserve the honor of playing in the world cup. The best ghana can do is maybey tie against Italy. but that will involve a lot of luck!
Posted by: WAWA | June 8, 2006 11:25 AM
ghana will go home in the first round
Posted by: Isaiah Ronaldo | June 9, 2006 10:27 AM
I love how the ghana team plays. now that's a team. They're one of the few teams that actually look like a team. I believe Ghana will give Brazil a bit of competition. If Mexico loses, I'm rooting for Ghana.They deserve it.
Posted by: truth | June 23, 2006 03:01 AM
comment to WAWA
WHAT RUBBISH
Posted by: Anonymous | June 30, 2006 10:30 AM
I think that Ghana is really brisk and fast ,and I think no one notices them but you are still really good!!!
Posted by: Nahaka | October 28, 2007 03:57 PM