Another African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is here again. It is going to be a busy weekend for a lot of African countries and the focus once again turns to Ghana, who almost caused a stir at the 2010 World Cup.
The four-time African champions open their campaign against Swaziland on Sunday. Their squad contains a host of players who appeared in the World Cup team with just a few new faces. Ghana are kicking off their quest for an AFCON berth in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea without their top midfield trio – Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.
Appiah, the immediate past captain of the Black Stars has quit international football and now wants to give his all to his club Cesena. Essien the ‘Bison’ is on national duty sabbatical until further notice but will be fully committed to Chelsea while enjoying his international respite. Muntari has not been in the good books of the football authorities in the west African nation and has had a few brushes with the coach Milovan Rajevac. No reasons were assigned to his omission but it is believed his attitude of insubordination could disintegrate the team.
Two years ago and beyond, the 'SMS' – Stephen, Michael and Sulley – were ‘untouchable’ and needed to play at all cost even with glaring injuries. However, the tables have turned. A pool of midfield talents coupled with the tactical acumen of Rajevac have relegated them to the back.
Their absence at the last Cup of Nations did not cause the team to miss a beat. The virtually young and depleted team finished second best against mighty Egypt at Angola 2010. In fact, the team gelled better than the full squad that finished third during the 2008 continental showpiece on home soil.
Apppiah and Muntari made it to South Africa 2010 with the new generation of Black Stars players but warmed the bench often than expected. Muntari proved he still has some fresh blood in him with a goal but he would not have featured if youngster Andre Ayew had not been suspended.
Although the team has gone at lengths to prove that they can do without the trio, the squad lacks some level of experience and respected character in the likes of Essien and Appiah that could soak pressure and intimidate opponents.
Appiah may be out of form but with a return to club football in the Italian Serie A he could be of immense importance to the squad with his depth of experience and camaraderie. I still maintain that the 'Tornado' made the right decision to retire but at the wrong time. He simply could have passed on the armband and served as a backup until the qualifiers are over.
Essien is still a commanding force and one of the most respected midfielders worldwide. He has got the vibe, power, character and respect to reinforce the midfield with Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan and Andre Ayew. He deserves to take a break so far as it would rejuvenate his interest to play his heart out for Ghana that would yield positive results.
However, sports journalist Akosua Addai Amoo of Metro TV believes Rajevac’s charges can do without the Chelsea ace. “Yes we can. The team has been able to cope without him reaching the quarter-final of the World Cup and the finals of the African Cup after 18 years. Michael would be sorely missed but the team can do without him,” she told Goal.com.
Muntari will not be sorely missed if the Serbian tactician decides to close the chapter on him. He needs the national team more than the other way round. Days when we used to ‘worship’ players are dead and gone. He has blown his chance and lost his position and it would take great humility to come to terms with that.
