Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo has included three home-based players in his squad for the Black Stars’ decisive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, adding fresh talent from the Ghana Premier League.
Defender Isaac Afful from Samartex retains his spot after featuring in Ghana’s October clashes against Sudan. Joining him are two debutants: Asante Kotoko’s midfielder Emmanuel Antwi and Nations FC defender Razak Simpson. Both players have had impressive starts to the season, earning them a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
Antwi has been a key figure in Asante Kotoko’s midfield, showcasing his consistency by starting every match this season and scoring once. His efforts have been pivotal in Kotoko’s push for the league title. Meanwhile, Simpson has been a defensive powerhouse for Nations FC, accumulating 790 minutes in nine matches. His leadership in defense has helped Nations FC secure five clean sheets, lifting them to second place in the league standings.
The addition of these home-based talents strengthens Ghana’s squad as they head into two must-win qualifiers. The Black Stars will face Angola in Luanda on November 15, followed by a home fixture against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18. To secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament, Ghana must win both matches and hope for favorable results in Sudan’s games.
