Kirin Cup: Otto Addo Finally Releases Black Stars Squad for Japan and Korea Friendlies
- The squad list for Ghana’s upcoming international friendlies against Japan and South Korea has finally been announced
- Three new players, including a German-born striker, have earned their maiden call-ups, while several regulars have opted out of the matches
- The Black Stars will take on Japan in the 2025 Kirin Cup on November 14 before facing South Korea in a friendly encounter four days later
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has finally named his squad for the upcoming 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup, ending days of speculation among fans.
The much-anticipated list was released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with several surprises and notable absentees.
Source: Twitter
Otto Addo finally releases Black Stars squad
The 22-man team sees some familiar faces missing, including captain Jordan Ayew, midfield enforcer Thomas Partey, and Tottenham Hotspur star Mohammed Kudus, who are all unavailable due to injuries.
Their omission paves the way for new names and returning faces as Ghana prepares for the international friendlies in Asia.
In-form Coventry City striker Brandon Thomas Asante and Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo headline the group, while Otto Addo introduced three debutants: German-born forward Prince Osei Owusu, who plays for CF Montreal, Medeama’s exciting winger Kevin Nkrumah, and Viktoria Plzen’s Prince Adu Kwabena, as cited by Africa Top Sports.
France-based midfielder Abu Francis also makes a comeback after recovering from injury, and German-born left-back Derrick Kohn has earned his second call-up following a successful nationality switch.
Below is the full squad list:
Moments after the announcement, reactions poured in across social media. Some fans expressed excitement about the fresh faces, while others were critical of the omissions.
Source: Twitter
@spreadUr_wings shared optimism:
"Why am I getting the feeling that this squad will cook?"
@dkokaido looked at the bigger picture:
"Not surprised. It was expected. I believe this is a strategy to develop plans B, C, etc. during games if plan A doesn’t work, which they already have in the bag."
However, not everyone was pleased. @Sporty_mafiaGh questioned a notable absence:
"Where is Hudson Odoi? You dierr listen to Ghanaians and don’t win the WC. Ego be ur last."
@nonchalant4u2 offered a gloomy prediction:
"We go drink goals Charle.."
And @addm1000 summed up the frustration:
"They were hiding this garbage list."
How to watch Ghana against Japan and Korea
According to Ghanasoccernet, Otto Addo's men will open their Kirin Challenge Cup campaign against Japan on Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi, before travelling to Seoul to face South Korea four days later.
These games mark the Black Stars’ first outing since sealing qualification for the 2026 World Cup after edging Comoros in their final qualifier.
In a welcome development for local fans, Media General’s TV3 will broadcast both fixtures live, giving Ghanaians the rare chance to watch the national team in action on free-to-air television.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, all eyes will be on Otto Addo’s revamped side to see how the new-look Black Stars perform in their first test since booking their ticket to football’s biggest stage.
Asare, 2 local players named in Addo's squad
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Benjamin Asare and two other local players have earned spots in Otto Addo’s squad for the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup.
The move highlights Addo’s commitment to combining homegrown talent with international experience as Ghana readies for the tournament.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
