Meet Black Stars debutant Alhassan Wakaso

Born in Tamale on January 7, 1992, Wakaso was signed by Portuguese second tier side Portimonense in 2009, and made his senior team debut just a year later, scoring his maiden goal two years later.

In June 2013, four years after arriving in Portugal, he got his big break: signing for Rio Ave, an opportunity that gave him a chance to finally feature in the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football.

Bar a loan back at Portimonense in 2014, the 24-year-old has been at Rio Ave ever since, steadily building a profile for himself. He’s made close to 80 appearances and scored one goal.

Yes. You guessed right. Alhassan is indeed related to Black Stars regular Mubarak Wakaso. Mubarak, who made his Ghana debut four years ago and has since become a key regular, is two years the senior of Alhassan.

Alhassan is a midfielder, cast in the Yaya Toure mold, who is defence oriented: he can play as a ‘water carrier’ or as a central defender. Just like his big brother, he is physically robust and has great technique.

Alhassan and Mubarak would be following the footsteps pairs such as Richard Kingson and Laryea Kingston, Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew (and Rahim Ayew), Asamoah Gyan and Baffour Gyan – all brothers who have recently featured together for the Black Stars.