Black Stars head coach Otto Addo says Union Berlin defender Derrick Arthur Kohn could finally make his Ghana debut if FIFA approves his nationality switch in time for Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Mali.
Kohn, who earned his first call-up for the double-header against Chad and Mali, was unable to feature in the 1-1 draw with Chad last week after clearance from football’s governing body failed to come through.
“We had a lot of difficulties in Chad, and one of them was Derrick. We didn’t get FIFA’s approval at that point. We were hoping for it, but up until now, we haven’t got it. I’m hoping it arrives by tomorrow morning,” Addo told reporters.
The Black Stars will host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on 8 September in what many see as a must-win game following the setback against Chad. A victory would give Ghana back-to-back wins over the Eagles and extend their lead over Comoros to four points in Group I.
Addo also defended his approach to player selection, stressing that his decisions are based on merit. “It’s not about local players or players from abroad or those born in the diaspora. It’s about quality, and we are looking for all kinds of players,” he said.
Ghanaian fans will be watching closely to see if FIFA’s approval comes in time for Kohn to don the Black Stars shirt for the first time in Accra.
