Derrick Kohn’s Camp Appears To Blame GFA and Carlos Queiroz After Ghana Squad Omission

Derrick Kohn’s Camp Appears To Blame GFA and Carlos Queiroz After Ghana Squad Omission

  • Derrick Köhn’s camp has broken its silence following the announcement of Ghana’s 28-man squad to face Wales
  • Rumours on social media suggested the Union Berlin defender was left out due to an incomplete nationality switch process
  • However, his brother has dismissed those claims and instead pointed fingers at the Ghana FA and coach Carlos Queiroz over the decision

Derrick Arthur Kohn’s absence from Ghana’s 28-man squad for the international friendly against Wales has triggered strong reactions from his camp, with questions now being raised over the decision.

The German-born defender was one of several notable names left out by head coach Carlos Queiroz as the Black Stars step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Derrick Kohn, Carlos Queiroz, Black Stars squad, football nationality switch, Ghana Football Association, Abdul Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Michael Kohn.
Derrick Kohn’s camp appears to blame the Ghana Football Association and head coach Carlos Queiroz after his omission from Ghana's squad. Photos by Christian Kaspar-Bartke and Matthew Ashton - AMA.
Source: Getty Images

The facts about Kohn's nationality switch

His omission quickly fuelled speculation, with some suggesting paperwork issues may have played a role.

Kohn, who was first invited to the national setup in August 2025 under Otto Addo, had faced delays in making his debut due to nationality clearance concerns.

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Once FIFA approved his switch, he finally featured for Ghana later that year and went on to play in friendlies.

Since then, he has earned three caps for the senior side, registering one assist in a 2-1 defeat to his country of birth, Germany, according to Transfermarkt.

Kohn's camp react to Black Stars omission

As debate intensified, Kohn’s brother Michael stepped in to address growing rumours surrounding the exclusion, insisting the paperwork issue was no longer a factor.

Setting the record straight, he wrote on Instagram:

"Derrick's nationality switch is completed."

He went further, subtly shifting responsibility towards the technical leadership and football authorities in Ghana, adding:

"The reasons for his exclusion can best be explained by the Ghana Football Association and Carlos Queiroz."

Below is the post, as shared on X:

That statement has only added fuel to public discussion, especially among fans who feel Kohn deserved another chance after a steady display in March’s clash against Germany.

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Kudus and Ayew headline list of 10 Black Stars players who are facing World Cup uncertainty

Analysing Derrick Kohn's Black Stars omission

Ghana’s long-standing uncertainty at left-back continues to fuel debate over who truly owns the position.

Abdul Baba Rahman was once viewed as the first-choice option but struggled with consistency and pressure before stepping away from the national setup.

Derrick Kohn, Carlos Queiroz, Black Stars squad, football nationality switch, Ghana Football Association, Abdul Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Michael Kohn.
Baba Rahman and Gideon Mensah are in Carlos Queiroz's 28-man list for the friendly against Wales. Photos by Matthew Ashton - AMA, Christian Kaspar-Bartke and Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

His absence pushed Gideon Mensah into the role, with Ebenezer Annan only featuring sporadically.

The arrival of Derrick Köhn was expected to offer fresh competition or a long-term solution, but Baba Rahman’s return has tightened the race further ahead of the World Cup.

For now, the position remains unresolved, leaving coach Carlos Queiroz with a difficult decision as Ghana continue their search for stability on the left flank.

Below is a comparison of Ghana's left-back options (data culled from FotMob):

Metric

Derrick Kohn

Gideon Mensah

Baba Rahman

Matches played

29

30

47

Goals

1

0

3

Assist

2

2

3

Discipline

5 yellow cards 1 red card

8 yellow cards

3 yellow cards

Chances created

77%

16%

18%

Aerial duels

3%

9%

45%

Defensive contribution

16%

44%

30%

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Queiroz reacts after naming Black Stars squad

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Carlos Queiroz had spoken publicly after naming his 28-man squad for Ghana’s pre-World Cup friendly against Wales.

The Portuguese coach made several bold decisions as he continues shaping the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe avatar

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.