OTTO ADDO UNVEILS 23-MAN BLACK STARS SQUAD FOR 2025 UNITY CUP IN LONDON

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo has revealed his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Unity Cup, set to take place in London this week. The international tournament will see the Black Stars competing against Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Key Players Missing

Several high-profile players are absent from the squad. Notably, vice-captain Thomas Partey, playmaker Mohammed Kudus, and forwards Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Inaki Williams were not called up for the tournament. Their omission has raised eyebrows among fans, though it is understood that injuries and club commitments played a role.

Fresh Faces Earn First Call-Ups

Coach Addo has opted to include fresh talent in his selection, with five players earning their maiden invitations to the senior national team. These include:

• Joseph Tetteh Anang – Goalkeeper from St. Patrick’s Athletic
• Aaron Essel – Defender
• Caleb Yirenkyi – Midfielder
• Abdul Aziz Issah – Midfielder
• Mohammed Gaddafi Fuseini – Forward

These additions signal a new generation of players being tested ahead of crucial future matches.

Ghana Premier League Representation

Four home-based players from the Ghana Premier League have been named in the squad:

• Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak)
• Razak Simpson (Nations FC)
• Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC)
• Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko)

Their inclusion reflects Otto Addo’s intent to give local talent a platform at the international level.

Returning Players

A few familiar faces also make their return to the team after previous absences:

• Abdul Samed Salis (Sunderland)
• Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht)
• Felix Afena-Gyan (Juventus Next Gen)

These players will add experience and depth to the youthful lineup.

Tournament Format and Fixtures

Ghana will open their campaign against rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London. The winner of that encounter will proceed to the final on Saturday, May 31, while the loser will play in the third-place match.

Preparation for World Cup Qualifiers

The Unity Cup is serving as part of Ghana’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Black Stars are scheduled to play against Mali and Chad in September as part of the qualification campaign.