Representing the country's national football team is something often taken for granted in Ghana. The fans dismiss any international football that isn't a tournament, and club managers spend each day nervously waiting to get their players back in one piece. Even the players that go as regulars can get caught in the moment and not quite appreciate the gravity of the situation; the national team is the country's pinnacle of excellence (more often than not).
Black Stars manager Chris Hughton on Thursday announced a 25-man Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup games against Madagascar and Comoros.
Still, there are more than a handful of players who, on form, ability, and experience, deserve a place in the Black Stars squad. Here are four stars who Hughton may want to seriously consider in the future.
Nurudeen Yussif Mohammed
• Club: Kotoko
• Position: Defender(centre-back)
Undeniably underappreciated, Kotoko's centre-back is one of the best in his position in the country.
The intelligent defender has already gained a cult hero status since joining the Kumasi club from Real Tamale United (RTU). Although aggressive, he has a patient side as well and does not rush in and tackle unnecessarily.
He gives a solid presence at the back and can dominate the box. He can also work his way forward and start attacks from the back.
Additionally, he is not flustered under pressure and clears his lines when necessary. Perhaps more importantly, he is a leader, the kind of player others look up to and improve upon their game to impress.
With him in the side, the Kotoko faithful know that the other teammates will perform because he wouldn’t have it otherwise. It is, perhaps, one of the reasons why regardless of what changes are forced on the Kotoko defensive back line, Mohammed always makes it into the team if fit.
DENNIS KORSAH
• Club: Accra Hearts of Oak
• Position: Left-back
The Accra Hearts of Oak left-back is a delight to watch. He is an energetic presence and provides plenty of cuts and thrust down the left flank, but he isn’t found wanting defensively.
He forces turnovers high up the field before inching forwards into the opponent’s half. He likes to combine with his left winger/left-back, progressing down the line with his 1-2s and transitions, rather than looking to beat players with skill or pace.
Perhaps his biggest strength is his game intelligence. Incredibly mature and composed as a leader, he has good communication and organizing skills which ensure that defensive lapses do not occur. He could have be an ideal back-up for Gideon Mensah.
Kamaradini Mamudu
• Club: Medeama
• Position: Defender (Right-back)
The intelligent defender is physically brave almost to the point of foolishness, crunching in the tackle, a fine passer with both feet, brilliant positionally, the on-pitch symbol of Evans Adotey’s team.
His quickness over short areas is impressive, and while he can be aggressive at times, he is never out of control of his own actions. His defensive prowess and desire to win is undeniable. Joining Medeama at the beginning of this campaign, Mamudu has risen to become one of the best right-backs in the domestic league.
For all his reputation as one of the toughest players in the division, however, it is crucial that his footballing ability and versatility aren’t played down. Rewarding him with a Black Stars call-up wouldn’t be out of place.
Isaac Mintah
• Club: Aduana Stars
• Position: Forward
Touted as the next big thing to happen to Ghana football, the Aduana Stars attacker has been nothing short of a revelation this campaign. With his many sterling performances in his cluster of appearances for the Dormaa Ahenkro based club, so far there’s been much to admire about the chap.
The young attacker is a good dribbler and outwits his markers with ease. He can play as a number 10 or a false 9.
He is renowned for his clever movement, where he drifts into pockets of space from a false 9 role to create angles for teammates. His intelligence with space and eye for a pass also makes him an attractive option playing behind a striker.
Mintahis the leading top scorer in Ghana’s elite league with 8 goals, 3 assists in 9 games.
