Big names missing in Milovan Rajevac's squad for AFCON 2021

• Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac named his 30-man provisional squad for AFCON 2021 on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in Accra
• The Serbian trainer made some bold calls leaving out some experienced players including goalkeeper Richard Ofori
• The team heads into pre-AFCON camping with as many as four debutants and eight players who have never been to the tournament

Head coach of the senior national team of Ghana, Milovan Rajevac has left out some big names in his squad for next year's Africa Cup of Nations after releasing his provisional team.

The Serbian tactician announced a 30-man squad for pre-AFCON camping in Qatar but left out number one goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

In the list presented to the media, top players like Caleb Ekuban, Eammnuel Gyasi, Afriyie Acquah, Joseph Aidoo and Ishmael Ganiyu were all not included.

Over the course of the year, these are players with the exception of Afriyie Acquah and Asamoah Gyan, have earned consistent invites to the national team.

Super Eagles handler Augustine Eguavoen reveals why Leicester City star Iheanacho has been struggling

Football

SportsBrief.com takes a brief look at these players and their performance for their clubs in the ongoing campaign.

Caleb Ekuban

The Palermo-born Ghanaian has endured a frustrating return to the serie A, only netting his first goal for Genoa in the Italian Cup victory over Salernitana. It was his first in 17 games for the club.

However, the striker enjoyed one of his best campaign in the first half of the year while playing for Turkish side Trabzonspor. He finished the season as the club's top scorer earning him a big move to Genoa.

Despite the topsy-turvy year he has had, he has always been a part of the Black Stars in the qualifiers.

Emmanuel Gyasi

Probably the most shocking absentee from the squad. Gyasi has been crucial for Spezia, helping them maintain their serie A status and this season, he is the deputy captain playing an inspiring role in a tumultuous campaign.

AFCON 2021: Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac names 30-man provisional squad

Football

He has scored against the big clubs in serie A this season, netting a belter against Juventus and having a goal against AC Milan. He even starred as they beat Napoli on Wednesday night.

He was integral to former Black Stars coach C.K Akonnor's team but has not been looked at by Milovan Rajevac.

Joseph Aidoo

A rock at Celta Vigo these days, starring in their nine game unbeaten run in Spain. Following a shaky performance against Ethiopia in the World Cup qualifiers, it looked like Milovan Rajevac will give him a chance again, but that performance was so bad the Serbian decided to not call him.

Ishmael Ganiu

Impressed during the days of C.K Akonnor as coach. Currently the captain of Kumasi Asante Kotoko but after getting an invite for last month's World Cup qualifiers, he was not listed for AFCON 2021.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita selected to Guinea's 23-man squad for 2021 AFCON

Football

In the Ghana Premier League, he has been a mainstay in Kotoko's quest for the title as they sit joint top with Aduana Stars.

Afriyia Acquah

He has not been actively involved in the Black Stars in 2021 but has enormous experience at the Nations Cup. He was Man of the Match after the 2015 final defeat to Ivory and played at the 2017 and 2019 tournament.

Asamoah Gyan

Ghana's all time leading scorer. He has not hanged his boots yet although he has been inactive for majority of the year. However, he never declined his desire to represent Ghana in Cameroon.

He has been at every single AFCON since 2008. His absence has left a big void in the team, as the Black Stars struggled to break defences and even score goals.