Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has clarified his player selection strategy as the Black Stars prepare for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola.
Addressing questions about whether he prioritizes local or foreign-based players, Addo emphasized that his primary concern is selecting the best talent available, regardless of where they play. “For me, it is never about local or non-local; it is about the best players,” he explained. “But if we can find good players—and that’s why I said before, I want to really, really try and watch as many local live matches as possible.”
Addo also noted that with his recent departure from Borussia Dortmund, he now has more time to scout local talent. “I can find one or two players because it is always very difficult from the videos. Now I have the possibility because I am not with Dortmund anymore. I will watch a lot of matches, and if there is a possibility to find someone who I think is better than another player, then why not?” he added.
In his recently announced 23-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers, Addo included just one domestic player, Asante Kotoko’s goalkeeper Frederick Asare.
The Black Stars have started their preparations with a training session at the Accra Sports Stadium and have since moved to Kumasi to continue their build-up.
Ghana will face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by a match against Niger in Morocco on September 9, as they aim to secure their place in the AFCON tournament.
