Otto Addo has named his Black Stars squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Central African Republic on October 8 and Comoros on October 12 but the headlines are not only about who made the list. This time, attention has quickly shifted to the big names missing.
The notable absentees
Among the most surprising omissions is Tariq Lamptey. The Brighton fullback, who has been nursing an injury, was expected to play a part if fit, but the Ghana Football Association’s recent messages wishing him a speedy recovery confirm he is still out of contention.
Also missing is Kamaldeen Sulemana, who has been a regular feature in Ghana’s recent call-ups. His ability to stretch defenses and provide attacking flair will be absent this time around.
Ernest Nuamah, widely considered one of Ghana’s brightest young attacking prospects at Olympique Lyonnais, has also been left out. His exclusion hints at either a dip in form or a tactical reshuffle from Addo.
Another notable absentee is Osman Bukari, who has often been reliable in the Black Stars’ forward line. His omission raises questions about whether it is down to injury concerns, rotation, or simply a change in selection priorities.
Elsewhere, players such as Edmund Addo, Jerome Opoku, Forson Amankwaah, Ebenezer Annan, and Francis Abu all of whom have featured in previous squads were not recalled this time. Their absence suggests the technical team is prioritizing fit and experienced options over experimentation.
Why it matters
The omissions carry weight for Ghana’s campaign.
- Experience and depth: Many of the absent players have featured in competitive fixtures before and would have boosted squad depth in key positions.
- Selection signals: Otto Addo’s choices suggest a strong emphasis on current form, fitness, and tactical suitability, rather than reputation.
- Wake-up call for fringe players: The omissions may serve as motivation for those left out to regain form and push for future call-ups.
- Fan expectations: With Ghana’s qualification hopes on the line, supporters will be keen to know whether these decisions are purely technical or influenced by injuries and off-field issues.
As the Black Stars prepare for two crucial fixtures, the focus now shifts to whether the selected squad can deliver without some of Ghana’s most recognizable names.
