Ghana head coach Otto Addo watched from the stands at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, February 15, conducting a high-profile scouting mission as Hearts of Oak edged Asante Kotoko 1-0.

The "Super Clash," the biggest fixture in Ghanaian football, served as a live audition for local players hoping to win a place in the national squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico approaching, Addo and his technical team are combing the domestic league to bolster the Black Stars’ options.

The contest was decided early when Baba Adamu struck to give Hearts of Oak the lead and ultimately the victory.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare also stood out, earning praise for a commanding display that kept the Porcupine Warriors at bay.

Coach Addo did not travel alone. He was joined in Kumasi by a strong technical delegation, emphasising the seriousness of the scouting trip.

The group included technical adviser Winfried Schäfer alongside Desmond Ofei, Alain Ravera and Kim Lars Björkegren.

Their united presence at the stadium highlights a joint effort to identify the best talent available to the national side.

The visit signals a strategic move to ensure home-based players are not overlooked in favour of Europe-based stars.

The former Borussia Dortmund talent coach has spent recent weeks monitoring prominent Ghanaians across Europe’s top leagues, tracking the progress of players such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Salisu.

By appearing at the Baba Yara, Addo sent a clear message: the door to the national team remains open to those performing on home soil.

Extending the scouting to the Ghana Premier League shows that every league match is a chance for local players to impress and stake their claim for a spot on the world stage.

As the race for World Cup places intensifies, the Ghana Premier League has become an important proving ground for Addo’s evolving "Red, Gold, and Green" machine.