Ghana head coach Otto Addo has turned to fresh blood and familiar leaders as the Black Stars prepare for two major European tests against Austria and Germany later this month. Four new players have received their first call-ups in a 26-man squad that blends youth, experience, and new opportunity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up.
The biggest talking point from the squad list is the arrival of four debutants. Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, and Daniel Agyei all receive their first chance to represent Ghana at senior level.
Luckassen arrives with a wealth of European experience. The centre-back currently plays for Pafos FC in Cyprus and recently celebrated a league title with the club. He also made history by scoring the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League goal.
Senaya brings energy to the defensive line from French Ligue 1 side Auxerre. The young full-back developed through Strasbourg’s system before gaining experience at Sochaux and Lausanne-Sport. His rise has been steady since making his professional debut in 2021.
Daniel Agyei adds another attacking option for Addo. The winger, who plays for Turkish club Kocaelispor, built his career in England with clubs such as Leyton Orient, Crewe Alexandra, Oxford United, and Burnley. His pace and direct style could offer Ghana a different attacking dimension.
Patrick Pfeiffer completes the quartet of newcomers. The Darmstadt 98 defender has impressed in Germany’s second division and now gets the chance to strengthen Ghana’s defensive options.
Alongside the new names are several familiar leaders returning to the fold. Iñaki Williams, Thomas Partey, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Alexander Djiku all return as Addo restores experience to the spine of the team.
The squad also sees Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, and Joseph Anang competing for the goalkeeping spot. In defence, players such as Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, and Jonas Adjetey add depth and flexibility.
Ghana’s attack remains packed with talent. Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Brandon Thomas-Asante provide pace, creativity, and goals across the frontline.
One notable absence is long-time captain Andre Ayew. His omission comes despite his recent return to club football with NAC Breda, a decision that will likely fuel debate among fans.
The full complement of the team is as follows.
Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen), Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders:
Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppoong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre)
Midfielders:
Thomas Partey (Villareal), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo)
Forwards/Wingers:
Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Atletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta), Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).
The friendlies will be strong tests for the Black Stars. Ghana face Austria in Vienna on March 27 before travelling to Stuttgart to take on Germany three days later.
Both matches will offer Addo valuable answers. With new players eager to prove themselves and established stars returning, Ghana’s road to the 2026 World Cup now begins in earnest.
