Thomas Partey Left Out as Otto Addo Names Black Stars Squad for Crucial AFCON Qualifiers
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has excluded midfielder Thomas Partey from Ghana’s 25-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Niger and Angola. The squad announcement was made at the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) conference room on Thursday afternoon, setting the stage for a pivotal period for the Black Stars.
The team’s situation is challenging; Ghana has yet to secure a win in its first four matches of the qualifiers. With two critical games remaining, the Black Stars are under pressure to perform and must win both upcoming matches to keep their qualification hopes alive. A successful campaign will also depend on the outcome of Sudan’s remaining games, as Ghana’s qualification chances are partly tied to their rival’s performance.
The absence of Partey, one of Ghana's top midfielders, is notable but not entirely unexpected. Partey has struggled with fitness issues in recent months, which may have influenced Addo’s decision to leave him out. Additionally, Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu, who suffered a hamstring injury in last month’s 2-0 defeat to Sudan, will also miss the upcoming qualifiers.
However, there is some good news for Ghana. Forward Ibrahim Osman and winger Joseph Paintsil are returning to the squad after recovering from injuries that kept them out of the Sudan matches. Defender Nathaniel Adjei from Lorient has also rejoined the team, bringing defensive options back to the Black Stars after overcoming his own injury.
For Ghanaian fans, the team’s performance in these matches is about more than qualification. Recent underwhelming results have led to frustration among supporters, and Addo’s squad selection aims to restore confidence. The Black Stars have struggled in key areas, and Addo will be looking to address these as he prepares his team to face Angola and Niger.
Winning both matches is essential for Ghana’s hopes of qualification and would also signal a turning point for the team, potentially rebuilding trust with fans. “The Black Stars must aim for nothing short of victory to reestablish themselves as a competitive force,” Addo emphasized at the announcement. He highlighted the need to secure Ghana's position in the AFCON tournament while also building a team that fans can rally behind.
As the Black Stars prepare to face their opponents, the team will seek not only to win but also to regain public trust. Many fans hope that Addo’s selection and the players’ determination will reflect a new chapter for the team, one where the nation can once again be proud of its football legacy.
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