Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah, has explained that his selection of previously untested players, such as Leicester City's Jeffrey Schlupp, David Accam and Afriyie Acquah, in his provisional World Cup squad was informed by challenges in the team’s defence and other roles which he believed the youngsters would be up to the task.
Appiah’s selection of the three players in his 26-man squad came as a surprise to many, as the youngsters have very little international experience and were not part of the qualifying campaign.
Nonetheless, the coach said he considered 21-year-old Schlupp (who has played for Ghana just once as a second half substitute against Gabon on November 15, 2011) for his defensive abilities which have been key to Leicester’s qualification for the English Premier League.
For Accam, 23, Coach Appiah explained that he could not overlook the striker’s impressive exploits in the Swedish league where he had scored 12 goals this season. in what could be described as a validation of his selection last Monday Accam scored the winning goal for Helsingborg who beat Brommapojkarna 1-0 at the Grimsta IP Stadium.
Acquah’s impressive form for Parma in the Italian Serie A earned him a place in the squad, which already has players such as Michael Essien, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Mohammed Rabiu, who play similar defensive midfield role.
The young midfielder has featured three times for Ghana since making his international debut in a friendly match against Chile on February 29, 2012 at the PPL Park in Pennsylvania, USA.
Despite their inexperience at the international stage, Coach Appiah believes the youngsters deserve a chance as such big opportunities tend to bring the best out of such talented players.
"We still have not gotten it right as far as the left fullback is concerned, and after monitoring him all season I think Schlupp could be the key," Appiah told the Graphic Sports.
Explaining further, the coach said Schlupp caught his attention two years ago as a defender, but when he was sent to Manchester United, the was turned into an attacker and was subsequently not considered for the national team because "the Stars didn't need an attacker then”.
"I have kept a close eye on him for over a year and wanted to spring a surprise by taking him to the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa as a left-full back, but he went to Manchester United where he was played upfront. The team (Black Stars) didn't need such a player then, so he missed that chance.
"However, when he returned to Leicester, he also reverted to his defensive role and one cannot overemphasise his role in getting his club to the Premiership. I believe that he fits the bill for the Stars' role as well," Coach Appiah explained.
Schlupp, born in Germany of Ghanaian parents, is a product of the Leicester City Youth Academy and joined the first team in 2011 and was sent to Manchester United for further training and returned to command first team place in Leicester, taking charge of the left-full back position.
Though he was called up for Germany in their Under-19 team, he was eventually dropped in 2011, the same year he opted to play for Ghana. In November that same year, he was invited to the Stars in the game against Gabon in Kumasi.
For Accam, there was no better way to celebrate his call up than scoring his 12th goal in 13 games for Helsinborg last Monday.
That impressive scoring form won over Appiah who said he selected all his players on merit.
"A technical rating book was opened with every player with an account where their performance was closely monitored and after it all, the best were selected and I have no doubt that they are capable of making the team proud,"
Appiah’s provisional squad, which has Aduana Stars shot-stopper Stephen Adams as the only product of the local premier league, is a blend of World Cup experience provided by captain Asamoah Gyan, midfielders Sulley Ali Muntari, Michael Essien, Andre Dede Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Kevin-Prince Boateng and centre-back Jonathan Mensah.
Other players are goalkeepers Fatau Dauda and Adam Kwarasey, defenders Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, John Boye, Jerry Akaminko, Rashid Sumalia, midfielders Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu, Acquah, Christian Atsu, Albert Adomah, Mubarak Wakaso, and strikers Abdul Majeed Waris and Jordan Ayew.
