Ghana coach Otto Addo has provided crucial team updates ahead of the Black Stars’ must-win match against Niger in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The team, reeling from a shock 1-0 defeat to Angola in Kumasi, is determined to bounce back and secure three points in their next outing on Monday in Morocco.
Speaking about the squad’s fitness, Addo confirmed that both Jerome Opoku and Joseph Paintsil will miss the match due to injury and passport issues, respectively.
“Jerome had serious back problems. His body couldn’t adapt to the training ground in Kumasi, and it became so serious that he had to return to his club for special treatment,” Addo said.
Meanwhile, Paintsil is tied up with a US work permit issue that requires his passport, preventing him from joining the squad in Morocco.
Ghana’s loss to Angola ended a 25-year unbeaten streak in Kumasi, putting pressure on the team to secure maximum points against Niger to stay in contention for AFCON qualification.
The match is taking place in Berkane because Niger don’t have a FIFA-approved stadium to host matches.
Content by: Kwame Amoh
