Highly-rated midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah has been named in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 Unity Cup in the United Kingdom, marking his maiden senior national team call-up.
The 19-year-old joins fellow debutants Aaron Essel of the Black Satellites and West Ham United goalkeeper Joseph Tetteh Anang in Otto Addo’s squad as Ghana gears up for a high-profile international tournament.
Aziz, who joined Barça Atlètic on loan last summer, initially made a strong impression in Spain. His early displays earned him an invitation to train with FC Barcelona’s first team under new head coach Hansi Flick and brief appearances in friendly matches against Real Sociedad B and Nàstic.
However, his momentum stalled as the season progressed. Aziz struggled for regular game time and was excluded from the matchday squad on several occasions, with Barcelona ultimately opting not to activate the purchase clause in his loan agreement.
Despite his club setbacks, Aziz’s performances on the international stage reignited his momentum. He was one of Ghana’s standout players at the recently concluded Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, where his creativity and composure in midfield drew widespread praise. His showing caught the attention of coach Otto Addo, who has now rewarded the teenager with a place in the senior team.
Ghana will open their Unity Cup campaign against Nigeria on Tuesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford. The winner of that semifinal will advance to the final on May 31, while the loser will play in the third-place playoff earlier that same day.
The Black Stars are expected to open camp on Sunday, May 25, in Accra before departing for London. The Unity Cup forms part of Ghana’s preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September.
