Average, Good, World Class: Ranking the current Black Stars squad

For years, the blame game surrounding the Black Stars has followed a familiar script.

When Ghana struggle, the coach is blamed. When results refuse to improve, the Ghana Football Association comes under fire. When another tournament campaign goes wrong, questions are raised about preparation, selection and tactics.

But there is another question that perhaps deserves more attention: does Ghana actually have a squad capable of competing consistently at the highest level of African football?

The Black Stars' recent record provides reason to ask.

Ghana missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and have now started their 2027 qualifying campaign with defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.

The latest setback was particularly painful, with Ghana throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 in Accra.

So, looking at the players who featured in Ghana's 2026 World Cup squad and the latest AFCON qualifying squad, how strong is the group?

World Class

Mohammed Kudus

Kudus is the clearest example of a player Ghana possess who operates at an elite level. His attacking ability, creativity and experience at the highest level make him one of the country's genuine difference-makers.

Antoine Semenyo

His rise has been remarkable. After an outstanding Premier League campaign, Semenyo moved to Manchester City and has established himself among Ghana's most high-profile attacking players.

Good

Thomas Partey

Still Ghana's most experienced high-level midfielder. His experience and ability to control games make him important, although injuries and availability have affected his recent consistency.

Ernest Nuamah

Technically gifted, quick and capable of playing multiple attacking roles. He showed his quality by scoring against The Gambia, but Ghana need greater consistency from him.

Christopher Bonsu Baah

One of the most exciting young players in the group. His physical qualities, directness and attacking potential are obvious, although he is still developing at international level.

Alexander Djiku

Experienced, strong and dependable when fit. His leadership at the back remains valuable to Ghana.

Jerome Opoku

He has grown into an important defender and has the physical profile to compete internationally. He is not yet at the level of Ghana's legendary centre-backs, but he belongs among the stronger options currently available.

Average

The uncomfortable reality is that most of the remaining squad falls into the average category.

That includes Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Gideon Mensah, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Nathaniel Adjei, Kwasi Sibo, Caleb Yirenkyi, Ibrahim Sulemana, Augustine Boakye, Ronald Donkor, Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ibrahim Osman, Jordan Ayew, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Prince Adu Kwabena.

That does not mean these players are bad footballers.

Several are good professionals playing in strong leagues, while some are young players with considerable potential.

The issue is whether they collectively provide Ghana with enough elite quality, depth and consistency to compete with the strongest teams on the continent.

FKA/AM

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