On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo announced his team for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The Black Stars will travel to Angola on November 15 and then host Niger at home on November 18.
The matches are critical, as Ghana’s national team struggles to meet the expectations of their fans amid disappointing performances in the group stage.
Currently, Ghana ranks third in their group with just two points from four games, trailing Angola and Sudan significantly. Angola leads with 12 points, while Sudan has 7 points, leaving the Black Stars with almost no chance to qualify for AFCON 2025. This underperformance has left many Ghanaians disappointed, hoping for a resurgence in the coming matches.
Changes Made In The Black Stars
During the media briefing, coach Otto Addo discussed his squad choices, expressing confidence that the team is ready to “fight for the Ghanaian people.” The lineup saw some changes, sparking reactions among fans and media alike.
One significant decision was the exclusion of team captain Thomas Partey. Despite being available for the matches, Partey was not selected, a choice that Addo attributed to personal reasons without further explanation. Partey’s absence will likely be felt, as his leadership on the field has been pivotal in past games.
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In Partey’s place, Mohammed Kudus captained the Black Stars in recent fixtures against Niger. Kudus’ captaincy was a surprise to many, as Jordan Ayew, the squad’s most senior player, was expected to take on the role. Ghanaians voiced concerns about the choice, questioning why Kudus was chosen over Ayew, who has extensive experience.
Addressing this issue, Addo revealed that Jordan Ayew will indeed captain the Black Stars for the upcoming games. According to Addo, this decision aims to prepare KUDUS for a greater leadership role in the future.
