Ghana’s Golden Generation: Is the Trophy Drought Finally Ending?

Ghana is one of the footballing nations that had so many talented players over the years but failed to secure any major international trophy for a while. There was a time Black Stars were at peak, where they won four African Nations Cup titles. But the last one was in 1982; after that, they didn’t win anything. Black Stars shined at a big level where they reached the round of 16 in 2006—it was their debutant year at the global tournament—similarly, the quarter-final in 2010, where they were only the third team from Africa to do so. While in the African Cup of Nations, Ghana ended up in third place in the 2008 edition and runner-up in 2010. They constantly reached semifinals, but the title always slipped away from them. After 1982, the nation is still eager to win any international title as they won a few titles in U17 and U21 level. But still missing out at senior level.

Now seemingly things are about to change as a few new faces joined. Right now, Ghana is having one of the strongest generations they ever had on the pitch. These big names are playing top level of football, so a lot of expectations from them. That hunger for the titles is about to end. After a while, we are witnessing one of the greatest Ghanaian XI on the field, where each player is eager to win. Including some of the finest of the time like Kudus, Partey, and Inaki.

But it’s not the first time they had so many superstars. We had Michael Essien (who played for Real Madrid, Chelsea, and AC Milan), Stephen Appiah (who was part of Juventus, Bologna, and Fenerbahçe), Sulley Muntari (who played in Serie A for both Milan teams), and Kevin-Prince Boateng (was part of FC Barcelona and AC Milan).

What makes them so special?

Mohammad Kudus

If you are used to watching Premier League, then Mohammad Kudus is not a new name to you. He represented West Ham and now he is going to wear the Spurs shirt this season. Kudus had scored 19 goals for Hammers and assisted 13 times in 80 appearances. What made him an extraordinary player is his versatility on the field. Centre Midfield, Centre Forward, Centre Attacking Midfield, Right Wing, and Left Wing—these are the possible options where he can feature for Ghana. From all these positions, he scored for representative clubs.

Thomas Partey

The Ghanaian captain requires no intro. Thomas Partey was part of some big clubs over the years. From La Liga giant Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in Premier League. Thomas was a crucial part of Atletico Madrid that beat UEFA Champions League winner Real Madrid in the Super Cup Final. Partey was also a considerable role in Arteta’s Gunners squad. He recently signed a deal where he will return to La Liga, this time with Villarreal. Thomas is a strong player to be in midfield.

Inaki Williams

Inaki Williams is one of the talented gems from the Williams family. Where his brother Nico chose Spain, he decided to join Ghana for international level. He was one of the finest players of La Liga right now. He represents Athletic Bilbao, where he scored 111 goals in 471 appearances. He was a player that can feature in three different places: Right Wing, Left Wing, and Centre Forward. And in all these positions, he scored a decent amount of goals.

These players already represented Ghana at international level. And the results were pretty decent. Right now, they are at the top of the table in World Cup Qualifiers. But constant defeat in big face-offs is still hunting down. Maybe in future, Otto Addo figures out a possible solution for that.