Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo has unveiled an intriguing 26-man squad for the Black Stars’ upcoming international friendlies this month, injecting fresh energy into the team with debut call-ups for four players: Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya, Daniel Agyei, and one other implied in the quartet announcement.
These selections come as part of crucial preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ghana aims to sharpen their tactics, build cohesion, and test depth against high-caliber European opposition.
The new faces bring diverse experiences and promise to add versatility to the squad. Derrick Luckassen, the Dutch-born centre-back now thriving at Pafos FC in Cyprus, stands out as a particularly noteworthy inclusion. A graduate of AZ Alkmaar’s renowned youth academy, Luckassen has built an extensive resume across top leagues, featuring for clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Hertha BSC Berlin, Anderlecht, Kasımpaşa, Fatih Karagümrük, and Maccabi Tel Aviv before landing in Cyprus.
His recent form has been impressive—he helped Pafos secure the 2024–25 Cypriot league title and even netted the club’s historic first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League. His physical presence, tactical awareness, and ability to contribute offensively from the back make him a timely reinforcement for Ghana’s defensive unit, especially as they face technically gifted attacks from Austria and Germany.
Marvin Senaya, a promising right-back or wing-back operating in France’s Ligue 1 with AJ Auxerre, arrives after progressing through Strasbourg, Sochaux, and Lausanne-Sport. Since making his professional breakthrough in 2021, Senaya has shown consistency and attacking flair from wide areas, qualities that could provide Otto Addo with valuable options in overlapping roles or defensive transitions against the fluid styles expected from the upcoming opponents.
Daniel Agyei, a dynamic forward and winger at Turkish side Kocaelispor, completes the debut trio highlighted. Born in England, Agyei honed his skills in the English football system, turning out for Leyton Orient, Crewe Alexandra, Oxford United, and Burnley before embarking on his adventure in Turkey.
His blend of pace, directness, and goal-scoring instinct from wide positions or as a second striker offers Addo additional attacking flexibility, particularly useful in breaking down organized defenses or exploiting spaces on the counter.
Alongside these fresh additions, the squad welcomes back several key figures who strengthen the spine of the team. Inaki Williams returns to bring his explosive pace and experience from Athletic Bilbao, while Brandon Thomas-Asante adds dynamism in attack from Coventry City.
Ibrahim Sulemana, the energetic midfielder from Cagliari, and the ever-reliable Thomas Partey of Villarreal provide midfield control and leadership. Alexander Djiku, the commanding centre-back at Spartak Moscow, bolsters the backline with his aerial prowess and composure under pressure.
The full 26-man roster reflects a balanced mix of established stars, emerging talents, and players plying their trade across Europe’s top divisions:
In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads the department, supported by Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic), offering a blend of experience and local representation.
The defensive group is robust and varied: Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre) provide depth and competition across centre-back, full-back, and wing-back positions.
Midfield combines grit and creativity, led by Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), ensuring options for both defensive solidity and progressive play.
Up front, the attacking options sparkle with quality: 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 (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta), and Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor) deliver a potent mix of speed, skill, finishing, and versatility.
These two friendlies represent vital testing grounds as the Black Stars gear up for the World Cup. Ghana first travels to Vienna to confront Austria on March 27, 2026, at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in what promises to be a tactical and physical challenge. Just three days later, on March 30, they head to Stuttgart to face four-time world champions Germany, a matchup loaded with historical significance and an opportunity to measure themselves against one of football’s elite nations.
Otto Addo’s selections signal an intent to blend youth with experience, experiment with new combinations, and foster the unity needed for a strong World Cup campaign. Fans will be eager to see how these debutants and returning stars perform on the big stage.