Aziz Issah (L), Caleb Yirenkyi (M) and Mohammed Fuseini (R) get their maiden Black Stars call up
Otto Addo’s 23-man squad for the 2025 Unity Cup in London doesn’t just feature local talent, it also includes a bold injection of youth and new blood, as five players prepare to make their senior national team debuts.
From former West Ham prospects to emerging stars in Denmark and Belgium, Ghana’s next generation is stepping into the spotlight.
Here’s a look at the five debutants who could feature when the Black Stars face Nigeria on May 28, 2025, at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium:
Joseph Tetteh Anang – St. Patrick’s Athletic (Ireland)
Once tipped to rise through the ranks at West Ham United, 24-year-old goalkeeper Joseph Anang has been quietly rebuilding his career at St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland.
Eligible for both England and Ghana, Anang now commits to the Black Stars with impressive stats to back his call-up: 7 clean sheets in 18 league matches this season and a save percentage of 71.47%.
His composure and shot-stopping ability offer Otto Addo another quality option between the sticks.
Abdul Aziz Issah – Barcelona Athletic (Spain)
At just 19, Abdul Aziz Issah remains one of Ghana’s brightest midfield talents, despite a challenging loan spell at Barcelona Athletic.
Rumors suggest the club may not retain him, but his standout displays at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt caught Otto Addo’s attention.
He was named Man of the Match in the Satellites’ group-stage win over Central African Republic.
Despite Ghana’s quarter-final exit and failure to qualify for the U-20 World Cup, Issah’s vision, agility, and maturity stood out.
Aaron Essel – North Texas SC (USA)
Another U-20 AFCON graduate, Aaron Essel, plays in MLS NEXT Pro for North Texas.
The 19-year-old versatile midfielder, who can also operate in defence, featured in all four of Ghana’s U-20 AFCON matches, helping the team to two clean sheets.
Since returning from Egypt, he’s featured twice for his club, grabbing an assist in his last two games. His work rate, tactical flexibility, and calmness on the ball make him a useful asset for the senior side.
Caleb Yirenkyi – FC Nordsjaelland (Denmark)
A graduate of the Right to Dream Academy, Caleb Yirenkyi is quickly making a name for himself in Denmark’s top flight.
The 19-year-old box-to-box midfielder has played 17 times for FC Nordsjaelland this season, registering 2 goals and 2 assists.
He’s also hit form recently, with an assist in one of his last two games. With composure and creativity in midfield, Yirenkyi’s senior debut has been a matter of when, not if.
Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini – Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
A key figure in Union Saint-Gilloise’s title-winning campaign, Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini brings flair and firepower to the Black Stars’ attack.
The 23-year-old forward has scored 9 goals and assisted 1 in 33 league games, plus 1 goal and 2 assists in the Belgian Cup.
This comes after a strong stint at Randers in Denmark, where he notched 9 goals in 16 matches. Fuseini’s pace, power, and ability to take on defenders give Otto Addo another direct option in the final third.
With established stars like Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey missing, the Unity Cup provides a unique platform for Ghana’s next generation.
Otto Addo’s selection reflects a long-term vision, one that blends youth, homegrown quality, and international experience.
For Anang, Issah, Essel, Yirenkyi, and Fuseini, the message is clear: this is their chance. They step up, and they could be part of Ghana’s future on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
FKA/MA
Watch scenes from the opening ceremony of the 2025 Western Region Inter-Schools event
