As the absence of big names like Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Inaki Williams dominates headlines, Ghana head coach Otto Addo is turning the spotlight onto a new generation of Black Stars hopefuls ahead of the Unity Cup 2025 in London.
Five players are in line to make their senior national team debuts, as Addo refreshes his squad with youthful talent and standout performers from the domestic league and European football.
Among the debutants is former West Ham United goalkeeper Joseph Tetteh Anang, who has been earning rave reviews at St. Patrick’s Athletic in the Irish top flight. His call-up marks a significant step in a career that has quietly blossomed away from the limelight.
Also making the step up are two of Ghana’s brightest U-20 prospects: Abdul Aziz Issah and Aaron Essel. The duo impressed heavily at the recent U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and now have a chance to test themselves at the senior level.
Highly-rated defender Caleb Yirenkyi, who has been turning heads in Denmark with FC Nordsjaelland, is another exciting inclusion. Yirenkyi’s pace and composure have earned him praise as one of Ghana’s most promising defensive talents abroad.
Completing the group of newcomers is Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, a versatile midfielder based in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise. His physicality and tactical awareness make him one to watch during the tournament.
Coach Otto Addo’s bold selections suggest a strategic shift towards building depth and preparing younger players for the rigours of international football, especially with World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
The Unity Cup, which features Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, kicks off on Wednesday, May 28 at the GTech Community Stadium in West London.
Ghana faces Nigeria in the semi-final, with the winner progressing to the final on Saturday, May 31.
