Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has challenged his young stars to build on their impressive displays during their recent U-20 World Cup success when they turn up for the Black Stars.
The Black Stars begin preparations this week for the final qualifying game in 2010 World Cup campaign against Mali at home next Sunday and an international friendly away to Angola three days later.
And up-and-coming youngsters Samuel Inkoom, Andre Ayew, Dominic Adiyiah who picked both the top scorer award and best player honours at the U-20 World Cup, Agyemang Badu, Daniel Addo and goalkeeper Daniel Adjei all earned call ups into the Black Stars.
Also on hand are Rahim Ayew and Lee Addy. Both are yet to establish themselves in the senior side after playing major roles in the local Black Stars side.
With Ghana's places at the next African Nations Cup and World Cup sealed, the Black Stars are not under pressure going into Sunday’s game as Milovan Rajevac can hand opportunities to some new prospects.
And Rajevac admits that the coming days will be crucial if some of his youngsters are to prove that they have what it takes to establish themselves in the Black Stars squad.
Rajevac told www.ghanafa.org: "They proved themselves. There were others too but we have to be patient with them. Some are certainly for the future.“But for now, it depends on each of them. We have two important games coming up and we would see how things turn out."
“There would be some rotation and all would have the opportunity to prove themselves at this level. “Some have played in the team before but for others, it’s their first time,” the Ghana coach said.
The Black Stars coach announced his team last week which included six members of the World U-20 winning team. The Black Stars sit top in Group D, four points ahead of their opponents for the November 15 game, Mali.
The friendly with Angola would be played in Luanda on November 18 as the CAN hosts test their stadium ahead of the finals.
Ghana squad
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan Athletic, England), Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana)
Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Samuel Inkoom (Basel, Switzerland), Jonathan Quartey (Nice, France), Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland) Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany) Lee Addy (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana) Daniel Addo (King Faisal, Ghana)
Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Bologna, Italy), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Andre Ayew (Arles-Avagnon, France), Agyemang Badu (Asante Kotoko, Ghana) Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy)
