Ghana coach Otto Addo has stated that he is unafraid to bench any player ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Addo made these comments when addressing concerns about the lack of opportunities for local players in the Black Stars squad.
Many Ghana Premier League players have been called up to the national team but rarely see game time, sparking questions about their chances to feature. When asked why local players aren’t given more opportunities, Addo emphasized that performance, not origin, determines player selection.
“It’s not about local or non-local. It’s about performance,” Addo said. “If you train well, why should I leave you on the bench? If I think you are better than anyone—Kudus or whoever—then why should I let him play?”
He further reinforced his approach by stating, “I want to win. I’m not doing anything just to please somebody. And to be honest, I’m not afraid. I’m not afraid to put whoever on the bench. But I’m looking at the performance.”
Ghana will face Angola on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda. Three days later, the Black Stars will host Niger in their final qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.
Currently, Ghana sits third in Group F with two points from four games, five points behind second-placed Sudan and ten points behind Angola, who lead the group.
