Otto Addo announces Black Stars squad for Kirin Cup

Ghana’s Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has officially announced his 22-man squad for the forthcoming international friendlies against Japan and South Korea, as part of the Kirin Cup series.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face Japan on Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi, followed by a match against South Korea on Tuesday, November 18, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The team boasts a dynamic blend of youth and experience, with three players receiving their inaugural national team call-ups. Kelvin Nkrumah of Medeama SC, Prince Osei Owusu from CF Montreal, and Prince Adu Kwabena of FC Viktoria Plzen are all vying to make their debuts for Ghana.

Their selection underscores Otto Addo’s ongoing commitment to expanding the team’s talent pool and recognizing players with impressive club performances.

Notably, several key stars have been left out of the squad due to injuries and club commitments. Among the absentees are Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and team captain Jordan Ayew.

Their absence presents an opportunity for fringe players and new faces to make a lasting impression ahead of next year’s major tournaments.

The team also includes local-based players, including Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Prince Owusu, and Kelvin Nkrumah, whose selection highlights the Ghana Premier League’s competitive nature.

Otto Addo’s men will rely on experienced players like Lawrence Ati Zigi, Mohammed Salisu, and Antoine Semenyo to guide the team through these challenging fixtures.

The Kirin Cup offers Ghana a platform to test new strategies and assess emerging talents as the team prepares for future international competitions.

Fans will be eager to see how the new-look Black Stars perform against two strong Asian sides, with both matches promising high intensity and valuable lessons for Ghana’s developing squad.