Injury-Hit Black Stars Hand Debuts to New Faces for Japan and South Korea Friendlies

Ghana coach Otto Addo has named a reshuffled squad for the upcoming Kirin Challenge Cup fixtures against Japan and South Korea, following the withdrawal of several key players due to injuries.

The Black Stars will line up with a significantly altered squad as injuries have sidelined several senior players ahead of Ghana’s international friendlies in Asia.

Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, Joseph Paintsil, and Mohammed Kudus have all pulled out of the squad after picking up injuries in recent club matches. Their absence has forced head coach Otto Addo to turn to a new generation of talent to fill the void.

Among the new call-ups are Prince Owusu of CF Montreal, Medeama SC’s promising forward Kelvin Nkrumah, and Czech-based striker Prince Kwabena Adu, who all receive their maiden invitations to the senior national team.

Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, November 14, at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, before travelling to take on South Korea on Tuesday, November 18.

The friendlies are part of Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Otto Addo is expected to use the games to assess depth and discover new combinations ahead of competitive fixtures.

Despite the setbacks, team officials remain optimistic that the mix of youth and experience will give Ghana a strong showing against two of Asia’s top sides.

Written By Bernard Nii Ade Quaye | Rays of Hope Radio