Ghana’s senior national male team, the Black Stars would soon be boosted by the arrival of a top defender.
The Black Stars backline has not been the best especially after their dismal performance at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of National in Cameroon. The four time AFCON winners conceded five goals and scored just three and exiting the tournament at the group stage. They lost their opening game by 1-0 to North African giants, Morocco before a 1-1 draw against Gabon in the second Group C game at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. Their third game ended in a 3-2 loss to debutants and less fancied side, Comoros which saw the West African nation accumulate just a point.
The group stage exit was their first since the 2006 AFCON edition held in Egypt. Ghana’s aim to strengthen their central defence will be given a boost following the announcement that Southampton defender, Salisu Mohammed will soon be joining the national team. The rugged guardsman has been pursued by the Ghana Football Association and other top ranked officials but has proved futile in the past years. A close relation to the player, Yakubu Ahmed has however told the media that the young defender will soon make himself available for the final 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
“He will be playing for Ghana soon. He has assured us that he will play in the World Cup qualifiers,” Yakubu Ahmed told Kumasi-based Sikka FM, as quoted by Ghanaweb. “He cleared the air about his absence in the AFCON but assured of availability for the World Cup qualifiers.” He added. The Black Stars of Ghana have won the AFCON four times but missed out on the trophy in the 2021 edition.
They will have to still wait for another opportunity in Côte d’Ivoire 2023 to be able to break what will them á 41-year trophy drought. Ghana has equally made three World Cup appearances in 2006,2010 and 2014 but have missed out on the 2018 edition in Russia. They face West African rivals, Nigeria in the final phase of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March for a slot in Qatar.
