Six new players join Black Stars for AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger

The Ghana Football Association has announced the addition of six new players to the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

With key players such as Joseph Paintsil, Antoine Semenyo, Ibrahim Osman, Tariq Lamptey, Jerome Opoku, and Inaki Williams withdrawing from the squad due to injuries and personal reasons, these replacements bring fresh energy to Ghana’s campaign at a critical juncture.

The new inclusions are Austin FC forward Osman Bukari, Hamburger SV attacker Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Norwich midfielder Forson Amankwah, IF Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe, OFK Beograd’s Ebenezer Annan, and defender Kingsley Schindler who plays Samsunspor in Turkey.

Each of these players adds a mix of international experience and youthful vigour, as Ghana battles to secure a place in the AFCON tournament set for Morocco in 2025.

Ghana’s qualification path is now challenging. With no wins in their last four games, the Black Stars must win both matches and rely on Sudan’s results to avoid missing their first AFCON tournament since 2004.

Coach Otto Addo and his technical team will start training with the restructured squad on Monday, November 11, at the Accra Sports Stadium, as they prepare for the must-win encounters.

The first qualifier against Angola is set for Friday, November 15, in Luanda, while the Black Stars will face Niger in Accra on Monday, November 18.