Ghana coach Otto Addo has emphasized that he will not hesitate to bench any player, regardless of their club or league status, ahead of the Black Stars' upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Addo made these remarks following questions about his squad selection and why local Ghana Premier League players are often called up but rarely given a chance to play.
Speaking after announcing the squad for the matches against Angola and Niger, Addo explained, "It's not about local or non-local. It's about performance. If you train well, why should I leave you on the bench? If I think you are better than whoever—Kudus or whoever—then why should I let him play?"
He further stressed, "I want to win. I'm not doing anything just to please somebody. And to be honest, I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid to put whoever on the bench. I'm not afraid. But I'm looking at the performance."
Ghana is set to face Angola on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, followed by a home match against Niger on Monday, November 18, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Currently, the Black Stars sit third in Group F with two points from four matches, five points behind second-placed Sudan and ten points adrift of Angola, who lead the group.
