The Black Stars practice one last time before their match against Japan.
Before their 2025 Kirin Cup friendly against Japan on Friday at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, Ghana’s Black Stars have finished their last training session.
Head coach Otto Addo was able to finalize his lineup and game plan throughout the session, which included exercises on attacking combinations, defensive organization, and set-pieces.
All 22 players took part, although extra care was taken to make sure those who arrived late to camp—such as AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu and Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare—were prepared for the game.
Prior to the international friendly, the last session offered a chance to evaluate player fitness and foster team togetherness.
Ghana will face Japan on Friday, with the match serving as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the team’s subsequent friendly against South Korea. Images from the training session captured the intensity, focus, and determination of the Black Stars ahead of kickoff.
Otto Addo coaches their national teams twice in addition to being a member of the Elite Class of World Cup players.
Otto Addo, the head coach of Ghana, has joined a unique and prestigious group of people in the history of football who have both participated in the FIFA history Cup and led their national teams in two of its competitions.
Addo has accomplished a really historic milestone by being the first African to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Ghana’s qualifying has already been verified.
At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when the Black Stars created history by making it to the Round of 16 in their first season, the former Borussia Dortmund winger played for Ghana.
In Qatar 2022, sixteen years later, Addo made his World Cup coaching debut, leading Ghana through a difficult group that included Uruguay, Portugal, and South Korea.
As he gets ready to captain the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup once more, Addo is joining a select group of football legends who have participated in the competition as coaches, players, and, most famously, managers.
Global icons like Mario Zagallo (Brazil), Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), Didier Deschamps (France), Carlos Bilardo (Argentina), Rudi Voller (Germany), and Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) are on that illustrious list.
As the first African and the first non-European or South American to accomplish this remarkable feat, Addo’s name now sits proudly among them.
The tale of Addo’s trip is one of tenacity, wit, and patriotism. In 2022, amid a period of transition for Ghanaian football, he was appointed head coach after working as a scout and assistant for the national team.
The former assistant manager of Dortmund was reappointed as head coach of the Black Stars in March 2024 after leaving his job during the World Cup in Qatar.
Addo’s accomplishment holds great significance as Ghana prepares for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It represents the rise of African coaches on the global stage – and proves that homegrown managers can succeed at the highest level with vision, strategy, and leadership.
Otto Addo’s milestone is not just a personal triumph; it is a powerful statement for Ghana and African football.
From wearing the national jersey in 2006 to leading the team to back-to-back World Cup appearances, he has cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s football history – a true bridge between generations and a proud symbol of African excellence on the world stage.
In preparation for Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup international friendly against Japan, goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has finally arrived at the Black Stars camp in Japan.
The Hearts of Oak goalie arrived on Thursday morning and is anticipated to participate in the team’s last practice at Toyota Stadium in Aichi on Thursday.
With Asare’s arrival, the team is complete and there are now 22 players in camp. With six appearances and five clean sheets, he was instrumental in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
The Black Stars will face Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025, before taking on South Korea four days later as part of their build-up to next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Ghanaians react
Min AB Opata: You sign and they chant on it ooooooo… you are good but they make sign and chant to confuse you
Seer Qwace Paa: Play a club that wins fairly and lose fairly to get opportunity to play for Black Stars not a club that wins through referees influence without getting the opportunity to play for Black Stars.
Kobi Andy: God determines who you become and not evil tongues and minds of people.
Gawu Derrick: Nyame ay3 bi oo chale! I thank God your life our safe hands! May you shine bright like the stars on this journey #Awitnesstothehustle
Crawley Town FC’s October Player of the Month is Ghanaian goalkeeper Jojo Wollacot.
The Ghanaian, Jojo Wollacot, who was born in England, had a respectable run during the month, supporting Crawley Town with outstanding League 2 performances.
In the matches against Cambridge United, Shrewsbury Town, Wallsall, and Bristol Rovers, Wollacot excelled.
“October’s Core FM Player of the Month! “Well deserved, Joe!” Crawley Town congratulated the goalie on social media.
The 29-year-old has kept a clean sheet in six matches in the English Football League 2 this season.
Wollacot, who joined Crawley Town in 2024, has been pivotal for the lower tier side, and will be hoping to help them secure promotion to League 1.
Meanwhile, he has been left out of Ghana’s squad for the Kirin Cup tournament in Asia this month. He has 12 caps for the former African champions.
Kirin Cup: Black Stars train with 18 players before their match against Japan
In anticipation of Ghana’s international friendly versus Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025, eighteen players have now gathered at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya.
Tuesday saw the arrival of sixteen players, including Prince Owusu and Kelvin Nkrumah, who came from Accra on Sunday.
Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah are among the team members at camp. Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Antoine Semenyo, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena round them out.
Benjamin Asare, a goalkeeper for Hearts of Oak who protected the net against Asante Kotoko in Sunday’s Super Clash, is scheduled to join the team on Wednesday. Mohammed Salisu, Prince Osei Owusu, and Christopher Bonsu Baah are also anticipated on the same day.
In preparation for their Kirin Cup match against Japan, the Black Stars will hold their first training session in Nagoya on Wednesday, November 12.
The Black Stars’ squad for the friendlies against South Korea and Japan does not include Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Partey, or Issahaku.
A significant blow has been given to Ghana coach Otto Addo ahead of the team’s Asian tour: a number of important players will not be allowed to play in the forthcoming friendly.
Due to recent injuries or knocks, Mohammed Kudus, Joseph Paintsil, Fatawu Issahaku, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Alexander Djiku have all withdrawn from the team.
Despite being initially listed on the team, they will stay with their clubs to recuperate after reaching agreements with the Black Stars’ medical staff and administration. By permitting their players to travel for evaluation by the national team physicians, the clubs have chosen not to jeopardize their players’ fitness.
Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, November 14, at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, before taking on South Korea on Tuesday, November 18.
To fill the gaps, Otto Addo has handed call-ups to new faces, including Prince Owusu (CF Montreal), Kelvin Nkrumah (Medeama), and Czech-based striker Prince Kwabena Adu.
These friendlies will allow Addo to assess his options ahead of Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance.
The World Cup group stage draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, where Ghana will learn their opponents.
After losing to Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday, Hearts of Oak issued a statement denouncing the assault of officials.
The Phobians were defeated 1-0 by the Porcupine Warriors, their first loss of the season. Morifing Donzo converted a contentious penalty kick in the first half, but Mawuli Wayo’s goal for Hearts in the second half was ruled offside by the referees.
Hussein Mohammed was seen assaulting the referee at the conclusion of the game, which infuriated some players.
Since then, the team has issued a statement expressing regret for the regrettable event, and the player is anticipated to face internal disciplinary action.
“Following the conclusion of the match, we acknowledge with deep regret the unfortunate scenes that unfolded after the final whistle. The moments do not uphold the values we uphold as a club- values rooted in discipline, respect and the spirit of fair play,” part of the statement read.
“We unreservedly apologise to the Ghana Football Association, the match officials, our fans and the general public. We recognise the importance of maintaining the game’s integrity and are taking immediate steps to reinforce that commitment.
“As part of our internal response, we have initiated disciplinary process concerning the player involved.”
Hussein has been charged by the Ghana FA disciplinary committee and has some days to appeal the decision. He has since also apologise for his indiscretion.
Prince Kwabena Adu’s Black Stars invitation has been confirmed by Viktoria Plzen.
Prince Kwabena Adu, a forward for Viktoria Plzen, will make his debut for the Black Stars during the November international break.
The 23-year-old has received an invitation to compete against South Korea and Japan in the Kirin Cup tournament. The in-form striker will be on the team, according to Osikanitv’s exclusive report, and the Czech team’s most recent statement supported our earlier assertion.
Over the past two seasons, the striker for Viktoria Plzen has been one of Ghana’s reliable players overseas.
In Viktoria Plzen’s 2-1 victory over Teplice on the road, Kwabena Adu scored his fifth league goal of the year.
Before selecting his team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, Ghana coach Otto Addo wants to evaluate the 23-year-old.
With just one goal in four games this season, Adu has been one of the most interesting performers in the UEFA Europa League.
He made 20 league appearances in the Czech top division last season, scoring five goals.
Joseph Paintsil, a winger for the Los Angeles Galaxy and a native of Ghana, has given his mother a four-bedroom property in Accra.
Joseph Paintsil together with his siblings and a devout man, the Black Stars forward lavishly thanked his mother for everything that she had done to make his dream a reality.
Paintsil’s mother had been blindfolded on the way to the house, but the player removed the cloak and gave the woman he refers to as the love of his life the keys to the magnificent structure.
Then, while they looked around the house, he gave a brief statement in which he expressed his sincere gratitude to her.
Paintsil on social media: “Mom, Your boundless love has been my light and my anchor. You’ve nurtured me with warmth, understanding, and care. Every smile, every laugh, and every shared moment has been a piece of magic in my life. I am blessed beyond measure to have you as my mother. You are my best friend and my forever support. I love you more than words can convey. Having the opportunity to say thank you, I wouldn’t wait till you are no more before I show u how precious u re to me as a mother and how grateful I am to God for having you around me as my support system. I love u mum.”
Despite the MLS champions’ difficulties, the former Tema Youth and KRC Genk player had an outstanding season with LA Galaxy.
In addition to helping his country qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Painstil concluded the season as the team’s best scorer in the Major League Soccer.
Mom, Your boundless love has been my light and my anchor. You’ve nurtured me with warmth, understanding, and care. Every smile, every laugh, and every shared moment has been a piece of magic in my life. I am blessed beyond measure to have you as my mother. You are my best friend.
Antoine Semenyo of Ghana loses to Justin Kluivert in Bournemouth’s Goal of the Month competition.
The October AFC Bournemouth Goal of the Month award was not given to Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo.
With an incredible goal against Fulham last month, the Black Stars forward, who has been playing brilliantly this season, was nominated.
Semenyo scored twice in the comeback victory, but his first goal in the 3-1 triumph was an incredible solo in which he squeezed the ball past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno after taking on two opponents.
Sadly, the Dutch international and colleague Justin Kluivert defeated the Ghanaian international in the end.
The Dutchman defeated Semenyo, Junior Kroupi, and Sophie Quirk with a spectacular long-range goal that won the majority of supporters’ votes.
Kluivert picked up the ball in the pouring rain, drove deliberately at the Fulham defense, and then unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner—a brilliant moment that contributed to a big win.
Semenyo is only five goals away from matching his record from the previous season, having already scored six goals this year. The Ghanaian international has contributed nine goals to Bournemouth this season, with three assists and six goals.
