Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, has explained why only one player from the Ghana Premier League made it into the Black Stars squad for the upcoming international friendlies.

Head coach Otto Addo recently unveiled a 26-man squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies against Austria and Germany, with Benjamin Asare standing as the only locally-based player selected.

Addressing concerns on Asempa FM, Asante Twum stressed that the selection was guided strictly by data-driven evaluation and not a disregard for domestic league players.

According to him, the technical team, led by Otto Addo, has been closely monitoring performances in the Ghana Premier League while also analyzing players’ statistics, consistency, and adaptability before making final decisions.

He further noted that missing out on the squad is not limited to local players alone, as several foreign-based players in Europe were also left out, highlighting the competitiveness of the selection process.

Ghana will first face Austria at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna on March 27, before traveling to Stuttgart to take on four-time world champions Germany on March 30.

The Black Stars will continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — with additional friendly matches lined up against Mexico in May and Wales in early June.

Benjamin Asare, the goalie for Hearts of Oak, has promised to maintain his impressive play in order to help Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.

Asare made these remarks after putting on another strong showing in goal to assist the Phobian Club defeat Asante Kotoko 1-0 in Sunday’s Super Clash at Baba Yara Stadium.

Hearts of Oak ended the game with 10 men when Emmanuel Amankwah was sent off, thanks to Baba Adamu’s header in the first half.

Asare is committed to maintaining his strong performance from World Cup qualifying and friendly matches going into the competition, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“I hope to continue these performances at the World Cup,” Asare told Asempa FM.

“It was a good game against Asante Kotoko, but we were determined to win and take revenge.”

He also clarified that his display was not influenced by the presence of Black Stars coach Otto Addo and the national team technical staff.

“Otto Addo and the Black Stars technical team had no hand in my performance yesterday. I was fully focused on delivering for the team, and I only realised after the game that they had come to support me.”

Hearts of Oak will look to extend their strong run when they host Berekum Chelsea in Matchday 23 at the University of Ghana Stadium this weekend.

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

Winfried Schäfer, the Black Stars’ technical advisor, has praised Benjamin Asare, the top player for Accra Hearts of Oak SC, for his exploits with the Ghana men’s national team, the Black Stars.

Since earning his first Black Stars call-up in March 2025 for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar, the 32-year-old goalie has been a vital part of coach Otto Addo’s squad.

In their last four competitive games, he has been Ghana’s first choice.

The technical advisor for the Black Stars has taken notice of Asare’s performance as a local player and feels that his productivity should serve as an example for all players in their home league.

“We have many top players playing in Europe, but our goalkeeper is a local and was fantastic on Monday. I want to visit the clubs and use him as a role model. All players have a chance to play for the Black Stars team”

“It’s great motivation for everyone. I’ll be watching the games too. Most African players who play in Europe come from Ghana, and we must be the heart of African football again”, Winfried Schäfer told Kessben FM.

In his last two games for the Black Stars, Asare has mended the goalpost four times and given up only one goal.

Winfried Schäfer, the Black Stars’ technical advisor, has praised Benjamin Asare, the top player for Accra Hearts of Oak SC, for his exploits with the Ghana men’s national team, the Black Stars.

Since earning his first Black Stars call-up in March 2025 for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar, the 32-year-old goalie has been a vital part of coach Otto Addo’s squad.

In their last four competitive games, he has been Ghana’s first choice.