World Cup Record: Last 16, 2006
Manager: Milovan Rajevic
Key Player: Michael Essien
Qualified: 1st Group D, Africa
Odds: 66/1

Benin, Mali & Sudan didn’t provide Ghana with the toughest of qualifying groups but the Black Stars coasted through anyway, not conceding a goal en route to winning their first four matches. They proved beyond any doubt that they were a force to be reckoned with in Germany 2006. After losing their opening match to eventual winners Italy, Ghana beat both the Czech Republic & the USA to make it to the last 16. There they were beaten 3-0 by Brazil, but that score line greatly flattered Ronaldo & co. Ghana had showed they belonged in the big time. More impressive still was the fact that they achieved all this with the youngest team in the tournament, with an average age a little under 24. Only one of their current outfield squad is over 30, all but five play in the top leagues in Europe and this young side has a competitive edge and experience that belies their age.

Michael Essien

Age: 26
Position: Centre Midfield
Club: Chelsea
Caps: 45 (8 goals)

Sulley Muntari & captain Stephen Appiah provide plenty of graft & craft in midfield but the real jewel in the crown is Chelsea’s Michael Essien. Since Roman Abramovich splashed out £24.4 million to sign him from Lyon in 2007, he’s shown himself to be arguably the most versatile and complete player in the Premier League. His tackling, passing, break up play and thunderous shot quickly endeared him to Blues fans though his record of 8 goals in 45 matches for Ghana isn’t especially eye-catching. Without a real world-class striker the Black Stars will be heavily reliant on their defence & midfield, and “the bison” in particular.