Al Ain star and Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan will play a big role as the Black Stars aim to improve on a quarter-final finish from the last World Cup.
Gyan is one of Africah's most prolific strikers with 39 goals from 77 internationals – one goal shy of the country's all-time record.
The 28-year-old is also a part-time music star who goes by the nickname 'Baby Jet', a boxing promoter as well as martial arts fighter and classic car collector.
Former Ghana captain CK Akunnor said Gyan is as much a talisman for the Black Stars as Didier Drogba for Ivory Coast.
"His leadership qualities are there for all to see and his influence on the team is like that of Didier Drogba on the Ivorian team," said Akunnor.
"His form is imperious with the Stars and will again play a key role if we are to have a good World Cup campaign."
Four years ago, Ghana became only the third African team to reach the last eight of the World Cup when they lost after a penalty shootout to Uruguay.
Gyan missed a late penalty in extra-time that would have catapulted the Black Stars to the semi-finals.
"We left the last competition with a bang, although under strange circumstances," said Gyan. "And the fans have still not forgotten about it, so I believe that they will still be waiting to see what we can do again this time."
"The team have been waiting a long time since the 2010 World Cup in which we reached the quarter-finals.
"Being so close to becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final was a great triumph but painful at the same time and we are really motivated to come back and achieve an even better result.
"I believe that we can only get better this time at the World Cup."
Gyan also missed from 12 yards in the semi-final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations against Zambia. He was heavily criticised by the fans as a result and quit the national team but his mother begged him to reconsider his position — and no longer take penalties.
Gyan will be a familiar face to most of his opponents fans, having turned out for French side Rennes, English Premier League club Sunderland and Udinese of Italy before heading to the United Arab Emirates.
He finished top scorer in the Arabian Gulf league for a third straight season with 29 goals and was the team's standout player during a highly disappointing season for Al Ain.
