L-R Mamudu, Razak Simpson, Benjamin Asare, Kwame Opoku, have all made the Black Stars list
The Black Stars have landed in London ahead of the 2025 Unity Cup, and among the 23-man squad selected by Otto Addo, four players from the Ghana Premier League have proudly earned their spots after standout seasons at home.
The local contingent is made up of four home-based players: Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), and Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC).
All four arrived in the UK over the weekend and are expected to begin camp with the rest of the squad ahead of Ghana’s Unity Cup opener against Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
Benjamin Asare – Hearts of Oak
The 32-year-old Hearts of Oak shot-stopper has been in phenomenal form this season, keeping 13 clean sheets in 25 Ghana Premier League appearances.
Asare made his Black Stars debut during Ghana’s crucial back-to-back wins over Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers back in March, keeping clean sheets in both games.
He’s yet to concede a goal in his Black Stars career and is now regarded as one of the most trusted names among the goalkeeping ranks.
His consistent performances have earned him a stronghold on the national team, and he left Ghana fresh from a 3-1 league win for Hearts of Oak.
Razak Simpson – Nations FC
A towering figure in the Nations FC backline, 26-year-old Razak Simpson has been a revelation this season.
In 20 appearances, he’s scored 4 goals, helping Nations FC maintain their grip at the top of the Ghana Premier League table with just two games left.
Simpson made his debut for the Black Stars in November 2024, playing full matches in the AFCON qualifiers against Angola (1-1) and Niger (1-2).
He was later included in the squad for the March 2025 World Cup qualifiers, coming off the bench in the 3-0 win over Madagascar.
With Ghana sitting top of the World Cup qualifying group, Simpson’s contributions in defence are earning him increasing national attention.
Kwame Opoku – Asante Kotoko
Back in familiar surroundings at Asante Kotoko, Kwame Opoku has rediscovered his best form. The striker has netted 9 goals in 16 league games and added another in the FA Cup, where Kotoko have reached the final.
Opoku made his Black Stars debut in March 2021 and played three games, with his last appearance coming in a 1-0 loss to South Africa in September 2021.
After several years away from the national team, his explosive second stint at Kotoko has propelled him back into contention, and he’ll be eager to cement his place in this new-look Ghana squad.
Kamaradini Mamudu – Medeama SC
The latest addition to the list of local players is Kamaradini Mamudu, the versatile right-back from Medeama SC.
A dynamic presence both defensively and in attack, Mamudu has scored an impressive 8 goals in 24 games, including three in his last two matches.
He earned his Black Stars debut in the 1-2 loss to Niger in the AFCON qualifiers on November 18, 2024, a match that marked Otto Addo’s trust in his potential. His eye for goal and tactical versatility make him a valuable asset heading into the Unity Cup.
With big names like Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo all missing from the Unity Cup squad, the inclusion of these four local stars represents a crucial opportunity for home-based talent to shine on the international stage.
The Unity Cup may only be a two-game mini-tournament, but for these players, it’s a chance to earn Otto Addo’s long-term trust ahead of the decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September.
Ghana’s match against Nigeria on May 28, 2025, will determine whether the Black Stars contest the final or the third-place playoff, both scheduled for May 31, 2025.
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