Unity Cup 2025: Kudus, Partey, Semenyo Missing as Salis and Afena-Gyan Return to Black Stars
Otto Addo names 23-man squad for Ghana’s faceoff with Nigeria in London
Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, has unveiled its 23-man squad for the upcoming Unity Cup clash with Nigeria in London, and it comes with a mix of surprises, returns, and notable omissions.
Coach Otto Addo has left out star midfielder Mohammed Kudus, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, and Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, citing fitness and precautionary reasons ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Their absence paves the way for the return of Abdul Salis Samed and Felix Afena-Gyan, both of whom have been away from national duties due to form and injury.
This Unity Cup, scheduled for May 28 at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, is not just a rivalry match—it also offers a chance to integrate emerging talent. A win would see Ghana progress to the final on May 31, facing either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.
In a bid to deepen local representation, Coach Addo has included four home-based players: Kamaradini Mamudu, Razak Simpson, Benjamin Asare, and Kwame Opoku. Their inclusion reflects growing confidence in the Ghana Premier League as a breeding ground for national talent.
Key Highlights of the Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Tetteh Anang
- Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Mohammed Salisu, Stephen Ambrosius, Aaron Essel, Caleb Yirenkyi, Ebenezer Annan, Mamudu Kamaradini, Razak Simpson
- Midfielders: Salis Abdul Samed, Lawrence Agyekum, Abu Francis, Majeed Ashimeru, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
- Forwards: Felix Afena-Gyan, Mohammed Fuseini, Kwame Opoku
The return of Salis Samed brings stability to midfield, while Afena-Gyan’s inclusion reignites hopes for a more potent attacking front.
With the Unity Cup designed not only to foster international relations but also to sharpen competitive edge ahead of World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on how Ghana’s reshuffled squad performs against familiar rivals.
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