Partey, Baba and the big absentees from the AFCON squad

Ghana has submitted its final squad to CAF for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, which kicks off in less than two weeks. While the Black Stars have assembled a strong squad capable of going deep into the tournament, we cannot but count our losses as some big-name players are missing from the squad. So who joins Thomas Partey as our top absentee?

Thomas Partey

Yes, Thomas Teye Partey is the deputy captain of the Black Stars and his pedigree and experience make him one of the stand-out names from the team. The Arsenal superstar has been missing from action recently due to injury and that injury has now robbed Ghana of a major talent and experience in the tournament.

Partey’s influence during games cannot be understated and he played a crucial in the qualification campaign though he did not score in any of the matches. His absence will be a huge blow for the Stars and unless Abdul Salis Samed, Baba Iddrisu and co can hold their ground and make the midfield a diamond piece, Ghanaians will not forget this.

Baba Rahman

Just as controversial as this may be, the reason for his absence is even more. The Tamale-born full-back has been a mainstay in the team except during his long spells in the treatment room during his injury-ravaged years. Baba has not always been the favourite of most Ghanaian football fans since he returned from his knee injury that took at least two years of football away from him.

Many have linked his ever presence in the team to favouritism other than merit but it is easier said than done to get a better replacement for Baba in the left full-back role. Gideon Mensah has always been the option but he is not without blemish. The PAOK FC defender is not in the squad and according to reports he asked to be excused.

We cannot confirm his reason as he is fit and playing for his club regularly but one thing we know is that there is no better experienced serviceman in that position in the squad compared to Baba Rahman. He is one of few players in the current group to have made over 50 appearances for the national team. He will be missed unless Gideon Mensah and Abdul Fatawu Hamid can come out well.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku

Though still just 19, the former Steadfast FC winger has already raked in 15 senior appearances with the Black Stars. His form dropped after he moved to Sporting CP and only managed one appearance for the national team in 2023, he is in the form of his life with Leicester City. The speedy winger has made 21 appearances for the Championship leaders while adding two goals and seven assists in the process.

According to reports, the Tamale-born speedster is omitted so he can sort out his future with his current employers. He is on loan from Sporting CP to Leicester City and his form has probably prompted negotiations for a permanent deal. Osman Bukari and Ernest Nuamah will have big boots to fill concerning experience in the team and we hope they do just exactly if not more.

Kamaldeen Sulemana

The Southampton winger is one of the big names missing from the squad alongside the aforementioned trio. Kamaldeen Sulemana has been a key figure in the Southampton side, providing three assists in 13 appearances in the Championship. As one of the natural left-wingers of the Black Stars, the Techiman-born winger’s absence will be a huge miss.

Jordan Ayew will likely play in that role given that he has often been deployed in that area for the Stars with either Inaki Williams or Antione Semenyo leading the lines. But the presence of Sulemana would have been a huge boost for the team as his creativity is undoubted. Joseph Painstil is in the squad and is a good alternative and he even boasts of more goal contributions (10) than the Southampton winger though he has less experience in the national team than Sulemana.

Tariq Lamptey

Tariq’s absence may not be highly missed as he has not been consistent in the team since his debut. He has not made a single appearance for the team in 2022 and has yet to play under Chris Hughton since the former Tottenham Hotspur boss took full charge of the team. Tariq has also been struggling with injuries during this current campaign and has only made four league appearances for Brighton and Hove Albion.

What his absence will mean is the lack of transition for him. Denis Odoi is still the team’s preferred right full-back and has been doing massively well though age is catching up with him. Tariq’s presence would have added speed to that side of the pitch whenever he is used while also giving him exposure in preparations for future tournaments. Kingsley Schindler is in the team and would have the opportunity to compete with Denis Odoi for the starting place in the squad while gaining experience with the national team.

In conclusion, these five names individually cannot win the AFCON for Ghana as the country seeks to end its 42-year wait for continental glory but their contributions would nonetheless be invaluable. Between Baba Rahman and Thomas Partey, they boast of 98 combined appearances for the team and adding the numbers of Sulemana and Issahaku, there is a sure experience gap to be filled. But we trust that their replacements in the squad will do more than enough to ensure we do not regret not having this quintet in the squad for Ivory Coast 2023.