With few days for the Black Stars of Ghana to kick start their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, there are indications that the competition will be the last by certain players taking into consideration their current ages and form.
A critical look at the team indicates at least four players might not be part of the team in the AFCON to be hosted by Cameroon.
The GNA Sports takes a critical look at the four players who by their ages and current form could be missing the next AFCON.
Asamoah Gyan
It is certainly not a secret that the General Captain of the Black Stars would be making his last appearance at this year’s competition having represented Ghana at seven previous tournaments.
Gyan, who recently had his captaincy stripped off by head coach Kwasi Appiah, has already stated his intention to retire from international football prior to the tournament and even recused himself from the squad, but a timely invention by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ensured he kept his place in the squad.
Prior to this, Gyan has also made it clear that, he would retire after the 2019 AFCON and it’s obvious that 33-year-old, who will be 35 years in 2021 will not have the physical strength to engage in a highly physical game on the continent bringing an end to his illustrious career for the Black Stars.
The 33-year-old striker’s experience in this tournament would play a critical role in how far Ghana goes in the tournament especially in an era where goals have been very difficult to come by for the Black Stars.
John Boye
The 32-year-old defender is certainly not at his best considering his blistering start in his international career, when he first made his debut AFCON debut in 2012, hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Despite his stellar performance with his club side Metz, Boye would have to display remarkable performance at this year’s AFCON to have any chance to represent Ghana in 2021 coupled with his age, as he would be 34 in the next two years.
Jonathan Mensah
The 29-year-old was tipped to be Ghana’s defence marshal after John Mensah’s retirement but has struggled in recent times and rarely makes first team appearance.
His inclusion into the 23-man squad came as a surprise to many Ghanaians who taught the Columbus Crew defender has not been at his best.
Mensah made the Black Stars squad for the 2010 AFCON in 2010 but couldn’t make a first team appearance but made his debut for the Black Stars at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Kwadwo Asamoah
The 30-year old Inter Milan player is arguably the most talented Ghanaian player in recent times, but has been inconsistent with performance with the Black Stars.
This tournament could prove a turning point for the Asamoah’s career and could likely retire from international career if things doesn’t go well in Egypt.
Having made his debut for Ghana back in 2008, Asamoah has struggled with horrific injuries in the past and sometimes halted his international career.