By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Otto Addo, the Head Coach of the Black Stars, revealed his 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.
The squad is set to face Sudan in a crucial double-header, with matches scheduled against Angola on November 15 and a home game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18.
This selection marks a strategic blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, as Ghana aims to secure its place in the prestigious AFCON 2025 tournament.
The announcement, made during a press briefing in Accra on November 7, 2024, came with some surprises. Notably absent from the squad is Thomas Partey, a key player whose presence has been pivotal in past matches. In his stead, Coach Otto Addo has introduced new faces from the local football scene, including Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and Asante Kotoko midfielder Emmanuel Antwi. These additions reflect Addo’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and providing them with opportunities on the international stage.
The squad’s goalkeeping responsibilities will be shouldered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi from FC St. Gallen, Joseph Wollacott from Crawley Town, and Abdul Nurudeen from K.A.S. Eupen.
In defence, the team will rely on the skills of Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey and Alexander Djiku to maintain a formidable backline. This defensive lineup is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the team’s success in the qualifiers, providing a solid foundation against their opponents.
In the midfield, the Black Stars will be counting on the talents of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and Ibrahim Sulemana from Atlanta to orchestrate play and create scoring opportunities.
The forward line, featuring Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Inaki Williams, and Jordan Ayew, promises to bring dynamism and flair to the team’s attacking strategies.
This combination of experienced internationals and promising newcomers underscores Otto Addo’s vision of balancing leadership with youthful energy.
As the Black Stars prepare for these critical matches, fans and analysts are eager to see how the team performs under Otto Addo’s guidance.
The blend of established players and fresh talent offers a glimpse into the future of Ghanaian football, sparking curiosity about the potential impact of these newcomers on the international stage.
