After missing out on the previous three editions, Ghana’s Black Galaxies are confident they can make a strong impression at the 2022 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria this time around. Ghana edged out rivals Nigeria in a penalty kick shootout to qualify out of a competitive WAFU-Zone B region and now the competition in Algeria will be an excellent showcase for top players from the country’s Ghana Premier League. Led by veteran coach Annor Walker, Ghana are in Group C with Sudan, Madagascar and perhaps Morocco with their opening match set for January 15 against Madagascar.
A couple of players have left the camp after agreeing to transfers abroad since being named to Walker’s squad, making goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu and star forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh ineligible due to no longer being based in Ghanaian club football (EDIT: Due to Afriyie Barnieh’s contract with new club FC Zurich starting after the CHAN he will be eligible to play for Ghana in Algeria). However there are still plenty of talented players who can make an impact including team captain and Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako who stated the team will “put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians”. The Black Galaxies prepared for the tournament with an initial camp in Egypt, defeating the Egypt under-20 national team and a reserve-heavy Al Ahly SC squad in friendly matches before heading to Tunisia for the final training phase with further friendlies against Algeria and Mozambique.
Ghana will look to Real Tamale United star David Abagna for an attacking spark while the goalkeeper position is secure despite Iddrisu’s departure with 2022 FIFA World Cup squad member and Asante Kotoko net minder Danlad Ibrahim between the sticks. Hearts of Oak left back is the notable name in a talented Ghanaian defensive line but there are questions about the striker position with Legon Cities striker Kofi Kordzi and Augustine Boakye of Kotoku Royals each only having a goal in Premier League play this season, leaving open the possibility that 21-year-old Accra Great Olympics forward Razak Yusif could claim a starting spot.
The initial player list is below followed by links to more on the Black Galaxies. Of note is that four players have been added to the team since the squad announcement with Kojo Addai (Karela United), Maxwell Arthur (Dreams FC), Seidu Suraj (Hearts of Oak) and goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku (Great Olympics) joining up after the departures of Afriyie and Iddrisu.
