New faces will help create competition in the team - Black Stars coach Otto Addo ahead of Unity Cup games

Black Stars coach Otto Addo has shared why new players are joining the team.

Five players received their first call-up for the Unity Cup games this week in London. They are Joseph Tetteh Anang from St. Patrick’s Athletic, Abdul Aziz Issah from Barcelona B, Aaron Essel from North Texas SC, Caleb Yirenkyi from FC Nordsjælland, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini from Union St. Gilloise.

Addo stated, "These matches are very important for the team. They are like the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September." He believes it is a good time to observe players they have monitored recently.

He emphasized that team building takes time and does not happen overnight. This is an opportunity for young players to prove themselves. The goal is to create competition within the team by giving all talents a chance to showcase their skills.

"We're focusing on building a strong team," he said. "That's why I'm giving many young players a chance to play." He aims to make them key parts of his future plans.

The Unity Cup is crucial for the team, and they want to maximize this opportunity. Addo expressed excitement about welcoming back absent players and integrating new ones.

Notably, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Kudus have been left out of the squad. However, Abdul Salis Samed, Kwame Opoku, and Felix Afena-Gyan have returned.

Ghana will face Nigeria at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London on Wednesday, May 28. The match will determine who advances to the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.