Ghana's Michael Essien during their African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match against Ivory Coast. But he'll be missing from the World Cup with a knee injury
Manager: Milovan Rajevac
Best: Round two (2006)
The Black Stars made their World Cup debut in 2006, and gave notice that they're the rising power in African soccer by dispatching the USA and the Czech Republic to make it through to the knockout phase. Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah and rising star Kwadwo Asamoah give coach Milovan Rajevac a midfield to envy, while Asamoah Gyan provides the striking power missing from previous Ghana teams. Barring any further injuries to key players (Michael Essien was ruled out of the squad with a long-term knee injury two weeks before kick off), they could beat any of the group rivals on their day.
Player to watch: Kwadwo Asamoah. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for Italy's Udinese is destined for great things.