Ghana became independent in 1957, and this was the same year their national team was formed. They have been a stalwart of the African Nation’s Cup, winning that competition on four occasions, but the 2010 World Cup is only the second time they have ever qualified, Germany in 2006 was the first time. They have called up a number of young players in the last twelve months who play in their national league, but they will be relying on their European based players in South Africa.
Their only previous World Cup appearance could be considered a success as they qualified for the second round. They had the youngest squad in the tournament with an average age of just under 24. Although it looked like an early exit was on the cards after a 2-0 opening game defeat to Italy, Ghana pushed on and defeated the Czech Republic with surprising ease 2-0 in their next match to set up a showdown with the United States. The Black Stars triumphed 2-1 to set up a mouth-watering clash with Brazil in the last 16. Alas, this was a game too far and they were comprehensively beaten 3-0. Nonetheless, they were roundly praised for their determination and skill and were rewarded for their exploits with an all-time high ranking of 13 in the FIFA World Rankings.
Since then, their young side made the final of the African Cup of Nations in 2010, losing the final to Egypt. They qualified through the Confederation of African Football qualifying stage after an interesting opening group stage saw them end level on points with Libya and Gabon with Libya missing out due to the fact that they had the poorest goal difference. Despite losing away to Benin, Ghana finished top of their group to ensure progress to South Africa.
Ghana will be expecting big things from established European stars like goalkeeper Richard Kingson who plays for Wigan Athletic as well as Fulham’s John Pantsil and midfield maestros Michael Essien (Chelsea) and Sulley Mundari (Inter Milan). As things stand however, Essien is injured and doubts remain as to whether he will play any part in the tournament. He has been named in the provisional squad though. Ghana’s group includes Australia, Serbia and Germany and promises to be a competitive group. Germany will be favourites to progress, but Ghana will be eyeing up the remaining knockout spot.