Black Stars Final 23

After taking his sweet time, Claude LeRoy has finally released the 23 man squad he’ll be taking to Ghana in ten days. Fourteen of these players will be making their African Cup of Nations debut. Only three players ply their trade in Ghana’s domestic league. John Mensah has been named captain in the absence of Stephen Appiah.

Since their friendly against Dubai side Al Nasr was canceled, the Black Stars have arranged another friendly against another local side, Al-Shabbab.

Here is the final list of players:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Birmingham City, England), Sammy Adjei (Ashdod, Israel), Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold, Ghana)

Defenders: John Paintsil (West Ham, England), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany), Nana Kwasi Asare (FC Mechelon, Belgium), John Mensah (Rennes, France), Alhassan Illiasu (FC Saturn, Russia), Afful Harrison (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), (IK Start, Norway)

Midfielders: Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Bennard Kumodzi (Panionios FC, Greece), Laryea Kingston (Hearts, Scotland), Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth, England), Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille, France), Ahmed Barruso (AS Roma, Italy}

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Udinese, Italy), Baffuor Gyan (FC Saturn, Russia), Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest, England), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Celta Vigo, Spain), Kwadwo Asamoah (Liberty Professionals, Ghana).