Kickoff (Cape Town)
28 August 2008
Stephen Appiah could make his long awaited from injury in Ghana's world cup qualifier against Libya next Friday.
The Black Stars captain has been named in a revised list of players for that game due to take place in Tripoli.
Appiah has not played for Ghana since playing in a four-nation invitational tournament in Accra in November last year but has been up and running and currently training with former club Brescia as he awaits a FIFA ruling on his row with Turkish side Fernabahce.
Appiah was originally due to play a supportive role for the Stars in Tripoli but has now been named as a part of the 22-man squad. Asamoah Gyan has meanwhile been dropped because of injury.
But as KickOffGhana.com reported earlier this week Kaizer Chiefs defender Jonathan Quartey will be in the squad so will Asante Kotoko forward Kwadwo Poku after both players impressed new coach Milovan Rajevac in the international friendly in Tanzania last week.
There is no place in the side for Prince Tagoe.
KickOffGhana.com understands the player who scored twice in four qualifying games in June has been excluded because he is down with Malaria.
But it is Appiah's return that will cause a real buzz in Ghana.
Considered the talisman of this team, Appiah is hoping he will return to the field stronger and better but he has already warned before he is the Appiah of old again.
"I want everything to be gradual. I have been out for one year and I understand it will take time to get my rhythm back," he said recently.
Many Ghanaian football fans will be happy their inspirational captain is just simply back.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (unattached), George Owu (El Masry, Egypt) William Amamoo (Etasellat, Egypt)
Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Harrison Afful (Kotoko), Eric Eddo (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Jonathan Quartey (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa) Samuel Inkoom (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Issah Gabriel (Randers FC, Denmark)
Midfielders: Michael Essien (Chelsea, England) Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy) Anthony Annan (Staeback, Norway), Laryea Kinsgton (Hearts, Scotland), Haminu Draman, (Locomotiv Moscow, Russian) Quincy Owusu Abeyie (Birmingham City, England) Agyeman Badu (Berekum Arsenals) Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey)
Strikers: Junior Agogo (Zamalek, Egypt) Chris Dickson (Charlton Athletic, England) Eric Bekoe (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Kwadwo Poku, (Asante Kotoko, Ghana).
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