On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Ghana Football Association’s headquarters in Accra buzzed with excitement as Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo unveiled a 23-man squad for the first phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With Ghana drawn in Group F alongside Angola, Sudan, and Niger, the team is poised to showcase their skills and determination on the continental stage. In this article, we’ll delve into the selected players, their strengths, and the prospects of the Black Stars in the upcoming qualifiers.
Goalkeepers: The Last Line of Defense
The Black Stars’ goalkeeping department boasts three talented shot-stoppers:
– Lawrence Ati Zigi: Known for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping ability, Ati Zigi is a reliable choice between the posts.
– Joojo Wollacot: With his impressive performances, Wollacot has earned a spot in the national team, bringing a sense of competition and depth to the goalkeeping position.
– Frederick Asare: Asante Kotoko’s first-choice goalkeeper, Asare’s inclusion adds a touch of experience and domestic league expertise.
_Defenders: The Rock-Solid Backline_
Coach Otto Addo has assembled a robust defensive unit, comprising:
– Alidu Seidu: A versatile right-back with a knack for delivering pinpoint crosses into the box.
– Tariq Lamptey: The Brighton & Hove Albion defender brings pace, skill, and attacking flair to the table.
– Alexander Djiku: A commanding center-back with a strong aerial presence and leadership qualities.
– Abdul Mumin: A talented young defender with a bright future ahead.
– Mohammed Salisu: The Southampton defender’s inclusion adds Premier League experience and solidity to the backline.
– Jerome Opoku: A physical and dominant center-back with a strong understanding of the game.
– Ebenezer Annan: A dynamic left-back with a penchant for supporting attacks.
– Kingsley Schindler: A utility player capable of playing in various defensive positions.
_Midfielders: The Engine Room_
The Black Stars’ midfield is packed with creativity, skill, and industry:
– Mohammed Kudus: A box-to-box midfielder with exceptional vision and passing range.
– Abu Francis: A tenacious and hardworking midfielder who breaks up opposition attacks.
– Thomas Partey: The Arsenal midfielder brings world-class quality, dictating the tempo of the game.
– Elisha Owusu: A dynamic and attack-minded midfielder with a keen eye for goal.
– Majeed Ashimeru: A skilled playmaker with the ability to unlock defenses.
_Forwards: The Goal-Scoring Threat_
Coach Addo has assembled a potent attacking force:
– Abdul Fatawu Issahaku: A prolific goal-scorer with a knack for finding space in the box.
– Joseph Paintsil: A pacey winger with the ability to beat defenders and deliver quality crosses.
– Ibrahim Osman: A clinical finisher with a strong understanding of the game.
– Antoine Semenyo: A physical striker with a strong aerial presence and hold-up play.
– Inaki Williams: The Athletic Bilbao forward brings La Liga experience and a goal-scoring threat.
– Jordan Ayew: A seasoned attacker with a wealth of experience and skill.
– Brandon Thomas-Asante: A talented young forward with a bright future ahead.
The Black Stars begin their qualifying campaign on September 5, hosting Angola at the iconic Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. The team will then travel to Niger on September 9, seeking to build momentum in Group F. With a strong squad and determination, Ghana is poised to make a statement in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars’ 23-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is a testament to the team’s strength in depth and Coach Otto Addo’s vision. With a mix of experience, skill, and youth, Ghana is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of Group F and make a statement on the continental stage. As the team embarks on this journey, Ghanaian and football fans worldwide will be eagerly watching, hoping for a successful campaign that brings pride and glory to the nation.
Story: By Phanuel Deseer
