With Kevin Prince Boateng announcing his retirement from the Ghanaian national team to focus on his club AC Milan, Ghana will be scrambling to find a suitable replacement for the versatile midfielder. Who will Ghana turn to? Here are the 'fab five' Ghanian players that could make a difference
#1. Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland, England)
The heart beat of a nation. At the 2010 World Cup, Gyan was Ghana, and Ghana was Gyan. As he moved, they moved. As he celebrated, they celebrated. As he experienced heart break at the quarter finals, so did a whole nation behind him. Ahead of the tournament, Gyan is battling injuries and faces a late fitness test. If he does not play, Ghana's chances of lifting the trophy are slim.
#2. John Mensah (Olympique Lyonnais, France)
While Gyan is the heartbeat of the Black Stars, John Mensah is the last man standing. The Black Stars skipper is the rock that holds the defensive foundation of the team. With Gyan possibly out for the first two games, John Mensah will be relied upon to ensure Ghana's defense is water tight while they wait for their talisman's return.
#3. Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseilles, France)
Son of legendary Black Star and Olympique Marseilles skipper Abedi Pele Ayew, Andre Ayew comes from pure uncut footballing stock. Together with his younger brother, Jordan Ayew, they will be fighting to lift the one trophy that evaded their father during his playing career. Andre, who won the BBC African Player of 2011, is clearly a rising star who is set to shine at this year's tournament.
#4. Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy)
With Michael Essien out injured and Anthony Annan still learning the trade, the Black Stars will need Sulley Muntari's experience to dominate the midfield. The veteran midfielder (pictured with wife Menaye above) has played with the best in both the Italian and English leagues. While he may not be the same after years of playing, he still packs a cannon left foot
#5. Anthony Annan (Vitesse (Netherlands)
When Anthony Annan received his first call up to the Ghanian National team in 2007, it was to replace injured Michael Essien. Little did he know that his role as a backup to Ghana's highest profile midfielder would be a semi permanent one. With Essien battling injuries for the last four years, seemingly around international tournaments, the Black Stars are used to Annan and his contributions. He was a revelation at the 2010 world cup, where he commandeered Ghana's midfield. With Essien injured yet again, Ghana will need Annan's services to survive the early rounds
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