How Marvin Senaya Ended Up in Both Ghana and Togo Squads
- Controversy erupted soon after coach Otto Addo announced his 26-man squad for the March international friendlies
- The debate centres on the inclusion of Marvin Senaya in the line-up for upcoming matches against Austria and Germany
- The French-born player is the son of former Togolese international Yao Mawuko Senaya and also has Ghanaian heritage
Otto Addo released his 26-man squad on Monday, March 16, for upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany, and one name immediately caught attention: Marvin Senaya.
The France-born defender earned his first call-up to the Black Stars as Ghana searches for stability at right-back.
Since John Paintsil and Samuel Inkoom called time on their careers, the national team has struggled to find a consistent option in the position.
Source: Getty Images
Alidu Seidu has shown flashes of quality, but his situation points more to misprofiling, as he operates primarily as a right centre-back at club level.
Deploying him as a full-back or wing-back may prove demanding for the diminutive defender, and with Ghana’s preferred option, Tariq Lamptey, struggling with injuries, a crucial gap has emerged.
Watch a compilation of Senaya's performance this season on X:
Enter Senaya - the Auxerre defender brings an attacking mindset.
Known for his work rate, pace, and defensive reliability, he excels at tackling, intercepting, and making overlapping runs.
He is highly involved defensively as well, ranking high in aerial duels and clearances, while also contributing to the attack.
According to WhoScored.com, Senaya enjoys dribbling, crossing, and tackling - traits of the modern right-back.
Source: Getty Images
Marvin Senaya's dual eligibility dilemma
His inclusion in Otto Addo's squad immediately sparked excitement among Black Stars fans, who have longed for a player with his profile.
Yet a twist complicates the situation: Senaya had previously been included in Togo’s squad for friendlies this month.
Senaya was born in France and is the son of former Togolese international Yao Mawuko Senaya, according to GhanaSoccernet.
Reports indicate he also has Ghanaian roots, making him eligible to represent the Black Stars.
Ironically, it was Ghana's neighbours who named Senaya first on their list for games against Guinea and Niger, but it appears the Black Stars will steal a march on Patrice Neveu's side.
Ghana's history with nationality dilemmas
This is not the first time Addo has navigated such a situation.
In March 2024, he called up Mohamed Diomande of Rangers at the time for friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda despite Diomande’s involvement with the Ivory Coast U23 side.
Diomande, a Right to Dream Academy graduate who grew up in Ghana but was born in the Ivory Coast, ultimately declined to represent the country.
Senaya's case seems different - with the World Cup approaching and Ghana’s right-back position in urgent need of reinforcement, Senaya could be tempted to choose the Black Stars over Togo.
His decision may provide the national team with the stability it has been seeking for years in a key defensive role.
Kudus, Ayew lead Black Stars absentees
In a previous publication, YEN.com.gh highlighted six high-profile players who missed out on Ghana's 26-man squad.
Topping the list of notable absentees are Mohammed Kudus and Andre Ayew, who will not feature in the March games.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
