Ghana coach Chris Hughton has defended the continuous inclusion of Edmund Addo in the Black Stars squad, despite the player’s inactivity at the club level with Red Star Belgrade this season.
Addo is once again named in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Madagascar and Comoros.
Hughton addressed the situation, stating, “With regards to Edmund Addo, he’s somebody that we like and somebody we value. We have to keep consistency in the team. There is a lot of choice, and what I can’t afford to do is bring five or six new players into the squad. We have to get the right balance.”
The coach emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency in the team and suggested that bringing in too many new players could disrupt the squad’s balance. Despite Addo’s lack of game time at the club level, Hughton values his contributions to the team and believes in the need for continuity.
Hughton also commented on defender Patric Pfeiffer, who switched from Germany last year but has yet to receive a call-up, despite performing well for German side Augsburg. The coach acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Pfeiffer and assured that they are working on addressing the situation.
The Black Stars are gearing up for their World Cup qualifying matches against Madagascar in Kumasi on Friday and Comoros in Moroni on Tuesday. Ghana’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup depend on topping their qualifying group, which includes Mali, Central African Republic, and Chad.