Otto Addo names Ghana squad for Austria and Germany friendlies; Asare solely native participant, Ayew omitted • Sahara Soccer

Head coach Otto Addo has unveiled a restructured Black Stars squad forward of Ghana’s upcoming worldwide friendlies towards Austria and Germany later this month, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The squad displays a deliberate mixture of continuity and transition, with a number of acquainted names retained from the qualifiers, whereas a handful of recent faces earn their maiden invites. Among the many debutants are Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, and Daniel Agyei — gamers anticipated to inject recent vitality into the group.

One notable spotlight is the inclusion of Benjamin Asare, who stands as the one locally-based participant within the squad, representing Accra Hearts of Oak and the Ghana Premier League.

In the meantime, the squad announcement has sparked dialog over some high-profile omissions. Veteran ahead Andre Ayew stays absent regardless of renewed requires his return. The 36-year-old, now with NAC Breda, lately opened his purpose account on the membership however has not featured for Ghana since March final 12 months.

Additionally lacking from the lineup are common wingers Osman Bukari and Joseph Paintsil, together with goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott and defender Alidu Seidu.

Damage considerations have additionally influenced alternatives, with Mohammed Kudus dominated out as a result of a muscle drawback that has stored him sidelined since January. The midfielder is, nonetheless, anticipated to return after the worldwide break.

On a optimistic be aware, Inaki Williams makes his return to the nationwide group setup, including depth and expertise to the attacking division.

Ghana will first lock horns with Austria in Vienna on March 27 earlier than travelling to Stuttgart for a high-profile conflict towards Germany on March 30. These fixtures are anticipated to offer essential tactical insights and group cohesion forward of the Mundial, the place the Black Stars have been drawn in a difficult Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

Full Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (FC St. Gallen), Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)

Defenders:
Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), Derrick Köhn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Good), Jonas Adjetey (VfL Wolfsburg), Marvin Senaya (AJ Auxerre), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre)

Midfielders:
Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Elisha Owusu (AJ Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), Kwasi Sibo (Actual Oviedo)

Forwards/Wingers:
Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry Metropolis), Jordan Ayew (Leicester Metropolis), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzeň), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al-Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester Metropolis), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester Metropolis), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor)