The Black Stars have been dealt a major blow ahead of their November FIFA international friendly matches against Japan and the Republic of Korea due to the absence of key players.
Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, before playing Korea on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The fixtures serve as preparatory tests for Coach Otto Addo’s side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the team will be without several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Fatawu Issahaku, and Joseph Paintsil.
Their absence reportedly follows mutual agreements with the Black Stars’ management and medical staff to withdraw from the November international duty.
To fill the gaps, Otto Addo has handed call-ups to debutants such as Prince Owusu (CF Montreal), Kelvin Nkrumah (Medeama), and Czech-based striker Prince Kwabena Adu.
In Partey’s absence, Kwasi Sibo of Real Oviedo is expected to marshal the midfield, while Antoine Semenyo will lead the attack.
Ghana, having qualified for its fifth World Cup, will learn its group-stage opponents on December 5 when the tournament draw takes place in Washington.
Otto Addo invites 22-man squad for Japan, South Korea friendlies
