Due to the Black Stars’ recent inability to consistently score goals in games, the team’s striking unit has become a major source of concern.
The Black Stars have scored seven goals and given up eight in their last five games combined.
At the FIFA World Cup 2022, Ghana’s goals were primarily scored by talented midfielders like Andre Ayew, Osman Bukari, and Mohammed Kudus.
Ghanaians would be hoping that Chris Hughton, the new Black Stars coach, would produce a lethal goal scorer who will enjoy the goals under his tutelage.
At Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 23, Ghana would play Angola in the first leg of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers before facing them again days later.
Here are 6 strikers who could make Chris Hughton’s squad for Ghana’s clash against Angola.
Ernest Nuamah:
From the staples of Right to Dream and FC Nordsjaelland comes another Ghanaian star waiting to explode. At the age of just 19, Ernest Nuamah is doing great work in the Danish league. Ernest Nuamah has scored 8 goals with 4 assists in 20 matches for his side. The youngster’s 3 goals in 2 matches for FC Nordsjaelland in February is enough to win the heart of Chris Hughton to hand him a call-up. Ernest Nuamah was named in Ghana’s provisional squad for the world cup before it was reduced to 26. He has not made any appearance for Ghana at any level.
Patrick Twumasi
Not many remember Deportivo Alaves as a forward because of his short stint in the national team, playing just 3 matches after his 2017 debut. Twumasi, who has been away from the public buzz, has been doing the talking on the pitch. This season, though, the forward scored 8 goals with 2 assists in 21 matches for his Israeli club. Twumasi’s five consecutive goals in February are enough justification for his inclusion in Chris Hughton’s squad for the AFCON double header against Angola.
Bernard Tekpetey
The 25-year-old Ghanaian is arguably the most in-form striker abroad. Last season he netted 10 goals with 12 assists to be awarded the Best Foreign Player in Bulgaria. This season though, the forward has already equalled his 10 goals from last season and is on the verge of scoring more. However, despite his sharp form, Tekpetey has been overlooked by the national team. Since his two appearances at the 2017 AFCON, the striker has never been given a call-up. However, coach Chris Hughton might find him worthy in his squad for the Angola clash.
Jordan Ayew
Jordan is the most experienced striker in the Ghana national team but is experiencing a goal drought. His last goal was on the final day of 2022 when he scored in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth. Despite his deep form, Chris Hughton can count on the 31-year-old to create chances for his teammates as he did at the 2022 World Cup. Jordan Ayew has scored 19 goals in 87 appearances for the Black Stars since making his debut in 2010. Hughton might prefer to use Jordan as a substitute due to his age.
Inaki Williams
Despite being Ghana’s lead striker at the World Cup, Inaki Williams was unable to score a goal at the tournament. However, that has not stopped him from scoring goals for Athletic Club. This season, the striker has scored five goals with four assists in 26 matches. Although he has yet to score a goal in six matches, Ghanaians are assured that Inaki will start netting goals when he finally finds his footing; maybe his first match on Ghanaian soil will break the spell.
Antoine Semenyohttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Hu9E9vWulvg
Call him the super-sub because he knows how to score whenever he comes on as a substitute. He scored his first goal for the Black Stars as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Switzerland. The Black Stars striker is currently having a difficult time since joining Premier League side, Bournemouth. He scored 3 consecutive goals at the start of the season for his former side, Bristol City. It would be a big surprise if Hughton left him out of his squad.