By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Aug. 31, GNA – The call-up of players to the Black Stars squad to face Chad and Mali in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, has sparked mixed reactions among fans in Keta.
The squad list, which was released by coach Otto Addo has left some fans divided on the selection of players.
While some fans were excited about the inclusion of certain players, others were expressing disappointment and frustration over the omission of their favourite, players with some eagerly discussing the squad list among themselves and praising the coach’s selection.
Mr Fred Dadadzogbor, a sports enthusiast and Black Stars fan, at Anlo-Afiadenyigba junction, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA Sports), that the squad list included a mix of experienced and young players, and applauded the coach for inclusion of certain players such as goalkeeper Joseph Anang of Saint Patrick’s Athletic, Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland, Christopher Bonsu Baah of Al-Qadsiah and Jonas Adjetey of FC Basel.
“We are still analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the selected players, with some expressing concerns about the team’s chances against Chad and Mali,” he said.
He said the Black Stars were expected to perform well in the upcoming matches against Chad and Mali and many fans were eagerly anticipating the team’s performance and hoping that they would make a strong impression to qualify for the 2026 FIFA world cup.
Mr Freeman Dogbey, another sports fan, also expressed hope and confidence that the Black Stars would emerge victorious, citing the team’s past performances as superb in the previous qualifying matches.
“The coach’s selection criteria have been questioned by some fans, some are speculating about the factors that influenced the selection of certain players, but l think the current player will do the job,” he said
Some fans also suggested that the coach should have included certain players such as experienced captain Dede Ayew, who was left out of the squad for several matches, while others argued that the players selected had the skills, ability and experience needed to make a difference in the upcoming matches.
The 24 players called by coach Otto Addo for the two matches included three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and seven attackers to face Chad on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Stade Olympique Marcel, N’djamena at 1300 hours and Mali on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium at 1900 hours.
The Black Stars had previously defeated Mali by 2-1 and Chad 5-0 in the first leg fixtures and hoped to emulate same, when they resume camping on Monday, September 1st, 2025.
The current standings for Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers indicated:
Ghana: 15 points (5 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss
Comoros: 12 points (4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses)
Madagascar: 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
Mali: 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss)
Central African Republic: 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses)
Chad: 0 points (0 wins, 0 draws, 6 losses)
The group winner would directly qualify for the World Cup, while the runner-up may potentially compete in the second round in attempt to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah / Christabel Addo