Ahead of Ghana’s crucial double-header against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Head Coach Otto Addo has made notable changes to the squad following injuries to key players. Midfield anchor Thomas Partey, promising attacker Ibrahim Osman, winger Kingsley Schindler, and forward Joseph Painstil are all unavailable due to injuries. In response, Addo has called up fresh talent to bolster the squad for these important fixtures. Players like Michael Baidoo, Abu Francis, Jonas Adjetey, and Ibrahim Sadick have been named as their replacements.
A highly versatile midfielder, Michael Baidoo has earned a reputation for his technical prowess and football intelligence. Currently playing in the Swedish top flight for IF Elfsborg, Baidoo has impressed with his ability to orchestrate play from the middle of the park. His vision, creativity, and dynamic presence will be critical in filling the gap left by the absence of Partey, who has been a vital cog in Ghana’s midfield for years. Baidoo’s experience in Europe, coupled with his impressive form in the Allsvenskan, positions him as a valuable asset for the Black Stars.
Abu Francis is another exciting prospect who has been called up to reinforce Ghana’s midfield. Playing for Cercle Brugge in the Belgian Pro League, Francis is known for his energy, ball-winning abilities, and offensive contributions. With his box-to-box style of play, Francis has the potential to add both defensive cover and attacking support to the Ghanaian side. His ability to break up play and transition quickly will be key in Ghana’s strategy against a resilient Sudanese team.
Though a lesser-known name on the international scene, Jonas Adjetey has been making a name for himself in Ghana’s domestic league. The young defender has been lauded for his positional awareness, strength in duels, and ability to read the game. His inclusion in the squad reflects Coach Addo’s strategy of injecting fresh talent into the national team setup, ensuring that Ghana builds a robust foundation for the future. Adjetey’s adaptability makes him a strong option for defensive cover during the qualifiers.
Joining the squad to reinforce the attack, Ibrahim Sadick brings stability and composure upfront . Known for his prolific approach to attack, Sadick is expected to contribute to Ghana’s backline with his solid marking and ability to make crucial tackles. Though he has limited international experience, Sadick’s strong performances at the club level have caught the eye of the national team selectors, earning him a place in the squad.
The injury-induced reshuffle presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Otto Addo’s side. While the absence of seasoned players like Partey, Osman, Schindler, and Painstil is a setback, the inclusion of young, hungry talents like Baidoo, Francis, Adjetey, and Sadick offers a chance for fresh energy to be injected into the squad. The upcoming double-header against Sudan is a pivotal moment in Ghana’s AFCON qualifying campaign, and these replacements will be eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
With Otto Addo at the helm, Ghana will look to secure vital points and continue their journey towards the 2025 AFCON tournament, confident that their new additions have the quality to step up and deliver in the absence of some of their more experienced stars.
