L-R: Issahaku, Kwasi Sibo and Dede Ayew missed out from the Black Stars squad
Some Ghanaian football fans have raised concerns about the absence of key players from the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September 2025.
Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo on Tuesday, August 27, 2025, named a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali next month.
The list includes regulars Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams.
Union Berlin left-back Derrick Arthur Köhn and winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, who recently switched from Southampton to Serie A side Atalanta, have earned spots after a bright start in Italy.
Black Stars unveil full schedule ahead of Chad and Mali World Cup clashes
However, some Ghanaian football fans have questioned the omission of players they believe are performing well for their respective clubs and deserve a spot.
They mentioned players like Leicester City attacker Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo, André Dede Ayew, Osman Bukari, and others.
The supporters accused the Black Stars technical team of being political in their selection, favoring some players while sidelining others.
Otto Addo names squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali
Meanwhile, a section of fans were pleased that players who form the core of the team were called up to ensure continuity.
The Black Stars will face Chad at Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4, before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Read the reactions below:
Seriously where is Fatawu. This is complete politics
— Richard Cypher (@Richardquansah) August 26, 2025
Only 1 local player.. shameful😭🤦♂️
— O.B.🤌🏾 (@thekharty) August 26, 2025
Sibo is a very good player so why not getting call up?
— Ghana Yesu (@GhanaYesu_) August 26, 2025
So Between Kwesi Sibo who has play 38 matches Last season and 2starts In the Spanish La Liga and Abdul Salis played 11matches and 2starts this season deserves a Black Stars call up? Eii Ghana Yoo. pic.twitter.com/EhdteO5Wjk
— Omar 👑🙏🍀 (@TerkpeteyDugba1) August 26, 2025
Where’s Dede Ayew?
— kwasi kankam (@iamkwasikankam) August 26, 2025
Where is Dede Ayew ( Captain)
— THE PEOPLES ANDY (@AndyOsei17) August 26, 2025
Zibo didn’t get call up Buh Jerry who plays for a club we don’t even know gets a call up. Hmmmmmm. This Blackstars system of call ups is still been manipulated. No one can tell me otherwise.
— iamnanayawpatriot (@skele_nanayaw) August 26, 2025
Fatawu no Dey but Salis Dey? 🥺
— Jay Highest 🦅 (@abduljawad22) August 26, 2025
Bogus squad…where is issahaku…didn’t they watch him vs charlton last week anaaaa…GFA be biased too much…
— AlutaBobby 🔥 #ForLife (@AlutaBobby) August 26, 2025
Fatawu Issahaku performs better and has better ratings than Jordan in every Leicester city match so why was the latter called but Issahaku wasn’t? Otto Addo dier full jon🤦🏾♂️
— Ghconfidential😎 (@Majesticalys) August 27, 2025
Kwasi Sibo of Real Oviedo robbed. Otto Addo is a criminal! 🥴
— Ramsey Kofi Ramsberry 🇬🇭🇩🇰 (@june_finest_) August 26, 2025
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch the new episode of Sports Check with Ali Jarrah below:
