Final Ghana camp news ahead of Ethiopia showdown

After a slow start to Ghana's preparation in Kenya as only four players reported on first day, the Black Stars look set now to battle Ethiopia in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Sunday.         

 

Coach Kwesi Appiah doesn't have any injury concern as all 19 players in camp are fully fit to either start the game or be used as substitute. With nine of the players making a comeback after missing the game against Kenya in September, at least six of them including Asamoah Gyan, Harrison Afful, Kasim Nuhu Adams, Jonathan Mensah, Mubarak Wakaso and Andre Ayew are sure to start. 

 

This game also offers a good opportunity for a reconciliation between captain Asamoah Gyan and the Ayew brothers as they will play togetther for the first time in 442 days following an alleged feud between the two camps.

 

Also, the Black Stars had a huge motivation on Saturday during their final training session as Ghana's president Nana Akufo-Addo made time out of his busy schedule to visit the players. The president was officially in Ethiopia for the AU summit and used the opportunity to charge the players to repeat the 5-0 demolition exercise they handed the Walias in the first leg.

 

Meanwhile, coach Appiah has reiterated the need to bag all the points at stake as qualification could turn difficult if they don't win in Addis Ababa.

 

“It’s important to get a win to make sure we qualify then everybody will relax," Appiah said after the final training session.

 

“All our players play abroad where they come fully prepared, knowing the situation. It’s psychologically important to let them know we are going out for a win on Sunday.

 

“Ghana has lot of players, it’s important you don’t rely on what you have only. You always make sure you have a backup, only four players here made the Kenya game,” he added.

 

St Gallen loanee Majeed Ashimeru is expected to make his debut for Ghana with a cameo appearance in the second half. The 21-year-old is highly rated by Appiah since he considers him as one of the future stars in Ghana's midfield.