On Sunday, June 12, 2022, Ghana’s starting lineup against Brazil will mark 16 years since the country’s first World Cup game.
The match was against the Italian Azzuris and took place during the 2006 World Cup.
Ghana outperformed itself in the competition, emerging from a group that included top-10 teams Italy, Czech Republic, and the United States of America.
With their performance in the two triumphs over the USA and the Czech Republic, the team brought joy into the hearts of Ghanaians.
Where are those players now, 16 years later?
Sammy Adjei.
For the Black Stars, Sammy “Bamako” Adjei was the backup goalie. Sammy Adjei, who had held the position in the qualifications, was displaced by Richard Olele Kingston.
Since his retirement, he has served as Kenpong Football Academy’s goalkeepers’ trainer.
Kingston, Richard
The now 44-year-old player had a wonderful tournament and made several outstanding saves in Ghana’s four games there.
Olele is the Accra Great Olympics’ and the Black Stars’ goalie trainer after retiring from football.
G. O. Owusu
Ratomir Dujkovic’s third choice in goal was the legendary Ghanaian goalkeeper George Owusu.
The 40-year-old goalie George Owu last competed in the Ghana Premier League for Ashgold, and not much is known about him.
Adu Sarpei Hans
On the team was Hans Adu Sarpei. Sarpei cheated by playing in the German Bundesliga after the competition.
In Germany, he is currently a full-time coach after retiring from playing.
John Paintsil
Ghana’s lateral defenders were arranged with Pappoe on the left and Paintsil on the right throughout the World Cup.
After the World Cup, John Paintsil’s career took off. Paintsil has put his boots away after stints in places like South Africa, England, Israel, and other places.
He currently owns and coaches a club.
John Mensah
One of the greatest center-backs in Ghanaian football history, The Rock of Gibraltar is revered as a national football legend.
The last heard of Addoquaye Pappoe was when he returned to Liberty Professionals in 2013. He has presumably hanged his boots.
Shilla Illiasu
Illiasu was Ghana’s surprise package in the tournament. He went into the tournament with little reputation as one of the local players in the team. The then King Faisal defender was drafted after Sammy Kuffour’s howler and proved everyone wrong.
After playing for teams like Olympic Lyon, Sunderland, and others, John Mensah gave up on his profession and is now enjoying a very secluded life.
Sammy Kuffour
The World Cup match against Italy was Kuffour’s final game for Ghana. The seasoned center back’s error allowed Italy to score their second goal, and that was his final play for Ghana.
Kuffour has played a number of roles in Ghana football and is doing well after retiring. He presently serves on the Black Stars management committee.
Emmanuel Pappoe
The full-back liked a few of the games in the competition, but Ghanaians were not really impressed.
Issah Ahmed did not play at the World Cup but was key for Kotoko.
Edward Addo
Edward Addo was a dependable teammate for Ghana and took part in all four contests. In the Dutch division, he predominantly played for PSV Eindhoven.
The technical staff of the PSV Eindhoven Under-21 team now includes Edward Addo as a coach.
Daniel Quaye
Daniel Quaye, a local participant on the team, failed to kick a ball for Ghana.
After the World Cup, the former Hearts of Oak defender played in the GPL and the Chinese league.
Dan Quaye, who gave up playing football, is now a coach.
Issa Ahmed
Issah Ahmed played frequently for the Black Stars up until the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, when he committed several mistakes.
Now 40 years, Issah Ahmed hanged his boots in 2015.
He has played ambassadorial roles for a number of brands.
Sulley Muntari
Sulley was a key member of the squad and scored a powerful goal against the Czech Republic.
Michael Essien
Even though the renowned Michael Essien has stopped playing football, he has not yet made an official announcement of his retirement.
Michael Essien, 39, last participated for FC Sabali. Currently, he is employed at FC Nordsjaelland as an assistant coach.
Currently, he is employed at FC Nordsjaelland as an assistant coach.
Tornardo served as Ghana’s captain during the World Cup. Appiah has hung up his boots and is now a part of the Black Stars management team.
Appiah is cherished for his assist to Asamoah Gyan during the match against the Czech Republic and his goal against the US, which was celebrated in an original way.
He has served as a brand ambassador for a variety of companies.
Suley Muntari
Sulley had a significant role in the team’s victory over the Czech Republic.
37-year-old Muntari currently plays for Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League. Otto Addo
With two appearances, the lanky winger had a little role in the competition.
The Black Stars are now being coached by 37-year-old Otto Addo. He earned the team a spot in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
Asamoah Gyan Gyan is the African player with the most goals in the competition after scoring two goals for Ghana during the tournament.
Gyan has not yet announced his retirement from football because he wants to play one more World Cup.
Asamoah Gyan started his UEFA License B, coaching course earlier this week.
SOURCE: Ghanasoccernet.com
