Ghana Based Players Otto Addo should call up for Black Stars’ Unity Cup Tournament MINTAH Writes

Kwame Opoku Photo Courtesy: ZED Multimedia

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is late again. They have not released the squad for the upcoming Unity Cup. This tournament runs from May 27 to May 31 in London. It aims to keep interest in the Black Stars alive, especially with World Cup hopes.

Missing out on FIFA's offseason window hurts the GFA. Qualification for the World Cup is their main focus now. The Unity Cup should not involve regular Black Stars players. Nigeria has shown how to approach this tournament.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are missing key players like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. Instead, they called up newer players like Cyril Dessers and Nathan Tella. Ghana’s match against Nigeria is the highlight of this tournament. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica may not provide strong competition.

Regulars like Gideon Mensah, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Kudus should rest. They need time to sort out transfer issues as well. Ghana's team has potential but needs more depth.

The GFA struggles with a lowly ranked Premier League. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics ranks it 92nd globally. This ranking is behind countries like Nicaragua and Kosovo.

Head coach Otto Addo impressed many by starting Benjamin Asare in goal. Despite concerns about league quality, some GPL players deserve a chance in London.

Benjamin Asare had a great debut against Chad and Madagascar. He leads the GPL with 16 clean sheets at Accra Hearts of Oak this season.

Kamaradini Mamudu has also been called up despite limited chances with the Black Stars. He scored eight goals as a defender in 24 GPL appearances.

Razak Simpson stood out during AFCON qualifiers and continues to excel at Nations FC, scoring crucial goals.

Kwame Opoku returned to Ghana after playing abroad, scoring nine goals for Kotoko this season.

Justice Blay could fill midfield gaps due to injuries affecting other players like Partey.

Stephen Amankona has been consistent, scoring 13 goals in 24 games this season.

Hussein Mohammed creates opportunities for Accra Hearts of Oak despite their inconsistency this year.

Kelvin Osei Asibey contributes significantly as a top defender for Hearts of Oak, aiding clean sheets for his team.

Patrick Asiedu plays as a modern full-back, providing speed down the left side for the Black Stars.

Faisal Charwetey has emerged as a key winger with 11 goals this season; he must be selected due to missing options for Unity Cup.

Rudolf Mensah shines in Division One football, scoring 24 goals while leading Swedru All Blacks' promotion efforts.

Honourable mentions include Nurudeen Abdulai from Medeama and Ebenezer Abban from Heart of Lions.