LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil, has offered explanation to his omission from Ghana coach Otto Addo’s recently announced 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA international friendlies later this month.
Joseph Paintsil, a player who made waves with his commendable performance during the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Paintsil’s absence from the roster for the friendly matches echoes his exclusion from the World Cup squad, further emphasizing Addo’s strategic vision and the standards he expects from his players.
But in a swift response to that, the former Tema Youth SC star says he opted to excuse himself from the Black Stars squad since he is not currently able to travel outside since there are some further immigration documentation procedures he has to go through before he’s finally able to fly to Ghana.
”Unable to Join the Ghana Squad As a result of my very recent move to a new club in the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures I have to go through, which is why I am unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed. For this reason, I am unable join the squad for the upcoming friendly games.” said the US-based winger.
He added that: ”I have duly communicated the reasons for my absence from the national team to management. I wish the new head coach Otto Addo, my colleagues and the entire team the best in this upcoming hurdle. Ghana holds a special place in my heart, and I am always ready to defend and represent the country.”
Ghana will play two international friendly games against Nigeria and Uganda in Morocco this month.
The Black Stars will first take on Nigeria on Friday, March 22, before facing Uganda four days later.
New head coach Otto Addo will use both games to assess his side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
Both games will take place in Marrakech, Morocco.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 16th March, 2024, coach Otto Addo, announced a 26-man squad for the two matches.
Below is the full squad:
