Ghana’s Black Star’s head coach, Otto Addo, has announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, with Jordan Ayew set to captain the team for these decisive matches.
The squad features two new players, Emmanuel Antwi and Razak Simpson, joining as the Black Stars battle for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The squad, announced on Thursday, November 7, includes key European-based players like Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Fatawu Issahaku, and defender Alexander Djiku, all expected to play pivotal roles.
The Black Stars face a crucial test in these final qualifiers, beginning with Angola on November 15, 2024, in Luanda, followed by a home match against Niger on November 18, 2024, at Accra Sports Stadium.
To secure a spot in the tournament in Morocco, Ghana must win both matches and hope for a slip-up from Sudan.
Notably absent is Arsenal midfielder and regular team captain Thomas Partey, who has been left out following a private conversation with Coach Addo aimed at “protecting” the player.
Although Partey is fit, Addo shared that the decision was mutually agreed upon after a confidential discussion.
“I had a confidential talk with Thomas. I am the coach who always wants to protect the players. I am not going to tell you the internal issues, but I made it quite clear to him that he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he’s not coming,” he stated.
Partey’s absence from these crucial qualifiers has led to a reshuffle in the Black Stars’ leadership, with Jordan Ayew assuming the captaincy.
