Black Stars: Building in the sinking sands

Derek Boateng (left), Addoquaye Pappoe (middle), and Sulley Muntari celebrate one of Ghana’s goals at the U-20 World Cup in Argentina When Ghana finished as runners-up at the 2001 World Youth Championships in Argentina, the Black Stars benefited.

That is how, even with injury depriving Ghana of Essien, Appiah, Laryea Kingston, and Sulley Muntari, Ghana still qualified for a first AFCON final in eighteen years, qualified for the World Cup for a second consecutive time, and were a spot kick from making the semi-final of the World Cup.

Baba Rahman represented Ghana at the youth level In those three Under-20 cycles from 2001 to 20013, Ghana were world champions in 2009, runners-up in 2001 and 2013, and African champions in 2009.