GHANA: Black Stars begin preparations for African Nations Cup

• by Soccer America , Dec 30, 2005

Ghana, which will face the USA at the 2006 World Cup, began a three-week training camp Dec. 27 in Tunisia in preparation for the African Nations Cup Jan. 20-Feb. 10 in Egypt.

Ten players made the trip û six local and four foreign-based players. Most of the players will not join the team until late January. The Black StarsÆ first friendly is Jan. 5 against Egypt.

Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic will rely heavily on players used during GhanaÆs World Cup qualifying campaign. They hail from clubs in 12 different countries.

Ghana Roster

Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Mohadon Sports Ashdod, Israel), George Owu (Ashanti Gold), Philemon McCarthy (Fetteh Feyenoord).

Defenders: Addoquaye Pappoe (Ashdod Tel Aviv, Israel), John Painstil (Ashdod Tel Aviv, Israel), John Mensah (Cremonese, Italy), Issa Ahmed (Asante Kotoko), Aziz Ansah (Asante Kotoko), Abubakari Yakubu (Vitesse, Netherlands), Dan Edusei (Egaleo, Greece), Sammy Kuffour (Roma, Italy), Francis Dickoh (Nordsjaelland FC, Denmark).

Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Haminu Dramani (Red Star, Serbia & Montenegro), Hamza Mohammed (Real Tamale United), Laryea Kingston (Terek Gronzy, Russia), Sulley Muntari (Udinese, Italy).

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Modena, Italy), Godwin Attram (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Joe Tex Frimpong (Enyimba, Nigeria), Matthew Amoah (Vitesse, Netherlands), Prince Tagoe (Hearts of Oak).