As Ghana’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali next month, September, approach, one voice is rising above the noise; tactical football analyst, Listowel Mensah.
His message is clear: if Ghana wants to be guaranteed a ticket to the global stage, the Black Stars must have a strong squad for the task.
Player selection must be based on merit
Player selection for the remaining matches must be built on merit, not legacy. Mr. Mensah, a seasoned observer of Ghanaian talent across Europe, believes the national team’s success hinges on selecting players who are match-fit, sharp, and actively contributing to their clubs with sufficient playing time.
Players who merit a call-up
One of Mensah’s top picks is Kwasi Zibo, a 27-year-old midfielder for Real Oviedo in Spain who is rocking shoulders with world class midfielders in the La Liga with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villareal. Though Ghana boasts a deep midfield pool, Zibo’s tactical intelligence and passing range make him a standout.
“He has learned a lot from one of the best midfielders in the game -Santi Cazorla, so i think Coach Otto Addo should condier him for the upcoming games, we need him.”
Youthful Firepower
Mensah also champions Edmund Baidoo, a 19-year-old forward lighting up the Austrian Bundesliga with RB Salzburg. Baidoo’s recent appearances in the Club World Cup and UEFA Champions League qualifiers show he’s not just promising—he’s proven. With two goals and an assist in eight games, his sharpness could be a game-changer.
“I think it’s time for Baidoo to get consideration,” Mensah urged, highlighting that the teenager possesses what every team will look for from a striker.
Defensive Reinforcements
In defense, Mensah highlights Kojo Preprah Oppong, a 21-year-old center-back now with OGC Nice in France, performing well and maintaining his form from the Swedish league.
With injuries and limited minutes affecting stalwarts like Abdul Mumin, Mohammed Salisu, and Alex Djiku, Oppong’s consistency and physicality make him a timely addition.
The Striker Ghana Needs
With goal scoring becoming a major problem for the Stars recently, there is a promising goal poacher making waves in the Czech Republic League for Viktoria Plzen. Mensah points to Prince Adu Kwabena as the player in question, known for scoring in sixth and seventh, although he has only one goal to his name this season.
Despite a slow start to the season, Mensah underscores Kwabena’s individual play, pressing, movement, and hard work as attributes he possesses. His addition would bolster Otto Addo’s side.
“The former Bechem striker is a strong and a bully striker which is a traits you need when meeting an African oppositionsion,” he explained in his suggestions, reiterating that “These are the three players i think should be looked at.”
Ghana will face Chad and Mali on September 4th and 8th respectively in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and getting all six points from those games will confirm the team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA tournament.
Whether Coach Otto Addo will heed the suggestions remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the road to 2026 demands bold choices, because the powerhouse of African football cannot afford to bottle it on the global stage.
