2025 AFCONQ: Otto Addo Calls 3 Local Players, 22 Foreign-based
Coach Otto Addo’s selection for the last round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger has three Ghana Premier League (GPL) players and 22 foreign-based ones.
Two of the local players are receiving their maiden call-ups
They are Emmanuel Antwi from Asante Kotoko and Razak Simpson from Nations FC. Meanwhile, Isaac Afful from Samartex FC is receiving his second international call-up.
Addo this time around omitted Kotoko’s Fedrick Asare and replaced him with Eupen’s Abdul Nurudeen. He also omitted Thomas Partey who failed to honour the last call-up but refused to share the motivation behind it.
The rest of the squad are Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Wollacot, Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Jonas Adjetey, Nathaniel Adjei, Alexander Djiku, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Abu Francis, Ibrahim Sulema, Michael Baidoo, Mohammed Kudus, Emmanuel Antwi, Ibrahim Osman, Enerst Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Issahaku Fatawu and Joseph Paintsil.
Injured
The 49-year-old coach made other omissions which he explained to be connected to injuries. He said these individuals were considered for call-ups but had to be omitted due to injuries they have sustained.
They include Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Samed Salis, Abdul Mumin, Kofi Kyere, Majeed Ashimeru, and Ibrahim Sadick.
Game
Ghana have two upcoming qualifiers to conclude qualification this month. Their first game against Angola slated for November 15, 2024, will take place at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
The second game will be held on November 18 at the Accra Sports Stadium against Niger.
Ghana have not won in any of the last four qualifiers played. They suffered a 1-0 home defeat in their first game; a 1-1 home draw against Niger; a 0-0 draw against Sudan; and a 2-0 loss to Sudan.
Addo’s side is currently on the verge of not qualifying for the AFCON for the first time in 20 years but the coach says he is bent on preying on the little chance left to salvage the situation.
They hold two points from the four games.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
