Head coach Otto Addo has signalled a strategic shift in Ghana’s squad rebuilding process, naming four debutants in his 26-man squad for upcoming high-profile friendlies against Austria and Germany.

The inclusion of Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, and Daniel Agyei highlights a deliberate move to inject new energy into the Black Stars setup ahead of crucial FIFA World Cup preparations.

The quartet, drawn from leagues across Europe, bring a mix of defensive solidity and attacking depth. Luckassen, a centre-back with Cypriot champions Pafos FC, headlines the new additions, while Senaya (Auxerre), Pfeiffer (Darmstadt 98), and Agyei (Kocaelispor) offer versatility across the pitch.

Balance of Continuity and Change

While the spotlight is on the newcomers, Addo has also recalled key figures including Iñaki Williams, Thomas Partey, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Alexander Djiku, underscoring a blend of experience and emerging talent as Ghana sharpens its competitive edge.

This balance suggests a tactical approach focused not just on experimentation, but on building cohesion within a refreshed squad core.

High-stakes friendlies as testing ground

The friendlies present a major test for the evolving team, with Ghana set to face Austria in Vienna on March 27 before taking on Germany in Stuttgart on March 30.

These matches are expected to serve as a critical evaluation platform, giving the technical team a clearer picture of player adaptability, combinations, and readiness against top European opposition.

A new phase for the Black Stars

Addo’s selections point to a broader transition phase for the national team, one that prioritises depth, competition, and long-term stability as Ghana eyes a stronger showing on the global stage.

With new faces stepping into the spotlight and experienced players returning, the upcoming fixtures could define the next core of the Black Stars squad.

Full squad

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 Köhn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VfL Wolfsburg), Marvin Senaya (AJ Auxerre), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre)

Midfielders:

Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Elisha Owusu (AJ Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo)

Forwards/Wingers:

Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzeň), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor)