Ghana coach Otto Addo has unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, where the Black Stars will face Angola and Niger. The announcement, made on Thursday, August 29, at a press conference held at the Ghana Football Federation headquarters, featured a blend of international stars and local talent.
The team will begin their qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Angola at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by an away match against Niger in Morocco on September 9.
These two matches are critical, as Ghana seeks to secure a top-two finish in their group to ensure qualification for CAN Morocco 2025.
Among the 23 players selected, the inclusion of Asante Kotoko’s goalkeeper Frederick Asare stands out, as he is the only local player in the squad.
Asare, who has been in solid form, was previously called up for Ghana’s World Cup qualifying matches against Mali and the Central African Republic in June.
His presence in the team showcases Addo’s willingness to include home-grown talent alongside established international stars.
Notable among the players named are Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey.
These experienced players are expected to provide leadership on the field as Ghana pushes for a successful start to their qualifying campaign.
However, the squad is not without absences.
Former captain André Ayew, who remains without a club, has been omitted for the second consecutive time, raising questions about his future involvement with the national team.
Injuries have also ruled out key players, including Kamaldeen Sulemana, Salis Abdul Samed, Ernest Nuamah, and Gideon Mensah, all of whom were expected to play significant roles in the qualifiers.
Despite these setbacks, the return of several key players has bolstered the squad. Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams, Genk’s Joseph Paintsil, and Cologne’s Kingsley Schindler are among the returning players eager to contribute to Ghana’s qualifying campaign.
Majeed Ashimeru, who has recently recovered from injury, is also back in the squad, providing depth to the midfield.
Otto Addo’s selection highlights the depth of talent within the Black Stars’ ranks, but the absence of injured stars will present challenges.
Ghana must overcome these obstacles to secure victories in their opening qualifiers against two strong teams.
The Black Stars will be especially focused on their clash with Angola at home, where a win would provide a much-needed boost before heading to Morocco to face Niger.
Here is the full list of the 23 Black Stars players called up for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen)
- Frederick Asare (Asante Kotoko)
- Joseph Wollacott (Hibernian)
Defenders:
- Alidu Seidu (Clermont Foot)
- Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahçe)
- Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco)
- Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano)
- Jerome Opoku (Kortrijk)
- Ebenezer Annan (Bologna)
- Kingsley Schindler (Cologne)
Midfielders:
- Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United)
- Abu Francis (North Iceland)
- Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
- Elisha Owusu (Auxerre)
- Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht)
Forwards:
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Sporting CP)
- Joseph Paintsil (Genk)
- Ibrahim Osman (Zulte Waregem)
- Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
- Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
- Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich Albion)
- Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
As the Black Stars embark on their qualifying journey, the squad will be determined to demonstrate their strength despite the absence of several key players.
With experienced figures like Partey and Kudus leading the charge, Ghana will aim for a strong start to their campaign as they seek to secure a place in the prestigious AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.
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