Sports News of Tuesday, 8 October 2024

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Otto Addo makes three late additions to Black Stars squad for Sudan games

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo

Black Stars coach Otto Addo has made late additions to his squad ahead of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers doubleheader against Sudan, Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively confirm.

On Friday, October 4, the 45-year-old coach announced a 35-man squad for the Matchday three and four fixtures against the Falcons.

However, there have been some changes to the lineup due to injuries.

Midfielder Majeed Ashimeru is expected to join the team’s camp, but he is likely to miss the matches after RSC Anderlecht informed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of a knock he sustained in their 3-0 victory over Standard de Liège.

As a precautionary measure, Cercle Brugge’s Francis Abu has been called up to replace the former WAFA midfielder.

Ibrahim Osman, currently on loan at Feyenoord from Brighton & Hove Albion, is also set to miss the games. AZ Alkmaar winger Ibrahim Sadiq has been invited to replace Osman.

Additionally, Kingsley Schindler of Turkish side Samsunspor will be unavailable after suffering an injury during his team's 3-1 win against Adana Demirspor.

In response, FC Basel defender Jonas Adjetey Adjei, who received his first call-up for the matches against Angola and Niger, has been summoned to fill the gap.

The Black Stars officially began their preparations on Monday, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday, October 10, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The return leg will be held on October 14 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

Following a 1-0 loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger, Otto Addo and his team are focused on securing all six points from these crucial encounters.