Fresh Faces in Black Stars Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Meet the Three Newcomers
Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo has announced his squad for the final AFCON 2025 qualifiers, bringing in three debutants who have shown strong promise in their respective leagues. Nathaniel Adjei, Razak Simpson, and Emmanuel Antwi have been called up for the crucial upcoming matches against Angola and Niger, adding new energy and skill to Ghana's national team.
Nathaniel Adjei (FC Lorient)
At 22, Nathaniel Adjei joins the Black Stars as a center-back from French Ligue 2 club FC Lorient. Adjei has an impressive history with Ghana’s U-20 and U-23 teams, having competed with the Black Satellites and recently representing Ghana at the U-23 AFCON in Morocco. His club career began at Danbort FC in Ghana before he moved to Sweden to play with Hammarby TFF, eventually landing at Lorient in 2023. This season, Adjei has appeared in nine matches for Lorient, playing a key role in keeping his team in second place. Known for his calm presence and solid defense, Adjei’s European experience is expected to bolster the Black Stars' backline.
Razak Simpson (Nations FC)
Defender Razak Simpson, aged 26, comes from Ghana’s Nations FC and is recognized for his versatility, capable of playing as both a center-back and defensive midfielder. Simpson’s strong showing in the Ghana Premier League, where he has maintained six clean sheets and earned an MVP award across nine starts, has earned him his first call-up to the national team. With previous stints at WAFA and AshantiGold, Simpson has now built a solid reputation at Nations FC, particularly excelling in defensive techniques and set-piece situations, which could be instrumental for the Black Stars in high-stakes matches.
Emmanuel Antwi (Asante Kotoko)
Rounding out the list of newcomers is 28-year-old Emmanuel Antwi, an attacking midfielder for Asante Kotoko. Known for his offensive skills, Antwi joined Kotoko this season after a successful tenure with Great Olympics, where he scored six goals last season. This season, he has been a consistent presence on the field, starting in every game and already scoring for Kotoko. Antwi’s ability to play multiple roles in the midfield, coupled with his scoring proficiency, gives the Black Stars a new option for advancing offensive plays and strengthening midfield versatility.
The Black Stars face Angola on November 15 in Luanda and will host Niger on November 18 in Accra. These decisive matches are vital to Ghana’s bid for AFCON 2025, and the three debutants will have the chance to showcase their talents on an international platform as they contribute to Ghana’s campaign.
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