Ghana head coach Otto Addo has been forced into major changes ahead of this month’s international friendlies, with six key players withdrawing from the Black Stars squad due to injury.
Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, Joseph Paintsil and Mohammed Kudus have all pulled out after picking up recent knocks, leaving Addo with significant gaps to fill in midfield and attack.
In response, the Ghana boss has turned to several new names as he seeks to maintain balance and competitiveness in his squad. CF Montreal forward Prince Owusu, Medeama winger Kelvin Nkrumah and Czech-based striker Prince Kwabena Adu have all been handed first-time call-ups and are expected to join the team’s camp this week.
Ghana will take part in the Kirin Challenge Cup, beginning with a meeting against hosts Japan on Friday, 14 November at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi. The Black Stars will then travel to Seoul for their second match against South Korea on Tuesday, 18 November.
The friendlies serve as crucial preparation opportunities as Ghana look to build depth and resilience ahead of next year’s competitive fixtures, with Addo describing the situation as “a chance for new players to show they belong at this level.”
