Ghana to name World Cup squad today

Ghana will name its provisional World Cup squad on Friday after coach Milovan Rajevac submitted his provisional squad list to the federation.

As Ghanasoccernet exclusively revealed on Tuesday the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had given the Serbian by Friday to produce his provisional list for next month’s tournament.

Now the GFA has confirmed on its website that the list will be unveiled on Friday.

But the list could be altered in the last minute as the injury situations of some players have made Rajevac uncertain as to which players to use for the tournament.

This has resulted in the Serbian leaving Accra on Thursday for his last round of player monitoring abroad which takes him to Qatar, some parts of Europe and also a firm date at the Europa League final to watch John Pantsil play for Fulham when they take on Atletico Madrid.

He will monitor Qunicy Owusu Abeyie in the Emir Cup in Qatar having been impressed with the winger’s stint with Portsmouth even though he had previously been axed for tactical indiscipline.

Even though the provisional squad is expected to be named on Friday, Rajevac’s latest round of monitoring means some players have who will be left out will have a last minute chance of making the trip to the tournament in South Africa.

What is certain though is that several experienced players who missed the African Cup of Nations will return to the team while some youngsters who excelled at the Africa Cup of Nations will be retained in the squad.

“Our playing strength has been to maintain our tactical discipline and keeping the shape of the team together always,” Rajevac said. “Some youngsters proved at the U-20 World Cup and at the African Nations Cup that they were ready for the big stage.

“It’s never easy making it to the senior level. It’s difficult but we have to be patient and see what happens. We would have more days to assemble so we can work with everyone.” “We needed some experienced players.

“It’s always important to let everybody understand that they have to work for the squad, not just for themselves and this is where the big boys step up to help everyone stay focused.

“I am very happy with their (experienced players) commitment and work.

“But now we have to work more harder as each game would be tough.”

Ghana will open their campaign at the World Cup against Serbia on June 13 before taking on Australia six days later then round up the group stage with a clash against Germany on June 23.