Kwarasey faces test as he returns

By Herbert Boakye-Yiadom
Adam Larsson Kwarasey will be making his return to the Black Stars in Ghana’s upcoming 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier with Mozambique slated for the March 24, 2016 at the Accra Sports stadium.
The 27-year-old Ghanaian international, former captain of Stromsgodest of Norway now plies his trade with Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer.

Kwarasey had been out of the Black Stars for 21 months and the number one position taken by Razak Briamah after Fauta Dauda had fallen off the pecking order.
The Portland Timbers keeper exited after falling out of terms with Black Stars goalkeeper’s trainer, Nassam Yakubu, just after the team dropped out of the World Cup.

Kwarasey accused Nassam Yakubu of unfair treatment in terms of selection for the first choice role during the Brazil 2014 World Cup after only conceding two goals in the world cup.
His last match in post was Ghana’s opener against USA in group G fixture of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil which ended 2-1 in favor of the Americans.
He lost his place after that match and was replaced by Fatau Dauda in subsequent matches. Adam Kwarasey has been fantastic for Portland Timbers in the Major Soccer League last season winning the best save of the season.

Goalkeeping issues has been a problem for the Stars in the past and a  similar incidence  was between Sammy Adjei and Richard Kingston who had been battling it out for the number one position but not on footballing grounds which I mean was off the pitch issues.
Kwarasey’ preference for the number one spot in Ghana’s goal post is acclaimed by most fans due to his impressive performances and his return is a delight as well to the fans as Razark Briamah has failed to impress as given the chance.

However, Adam will have to battle it out with Razak Briamah who has been number one for Ghana since his departure.

The Cordoba man led the Stars to second place finish in the 2015 African Cup of Nations and continues to be number one for the Stars in the on-going 2017 AFCON and 2018 World cup qualifiers. Razak Briamah is now with Spanish 2nd division Cordoba – a much competitive league than the Major League soccer.
However the onus lies on Coach Avram Grant to select who is going to be Ghana’s number one in subsequent matches between the two.

Kwarasey has capped 22 times for the Black Stars making his first appearance for the Stars in their 2-0 win against Swaziland here in Ghana. He has featured for Ghana in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Will the highly-experienced ‘keeper bring depth in the squad as he returns and faces Mozambique on Thursday?