Ghana Black Stars Name Debutants for Kirin Cup 2025 Friendlies Against Japan and South Korea
Nov, 15 2025
When Otto Addo unveiled Ghana’s 22-man squad for the Kirin Cup 2025Nagoya friendlies, it wasn’t just another lineup announcement. It was a quiet revolution. Three debutants — Prince Kwabena Adu, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Osei Owusu — were handed their first caps, signaling a generational shift. The move came just days after Ghana officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making these matches more than friendlies. They’re auditions. And Addo isn’t playing it safe.
Debutants on the Radar
The surprise wasn’t just that these three were called up — it was how they got there. Prince Kwabena Adu, a 23-year-old striker now with Czech First League side FK Příbram, had been quietly scoring goals in obscurity. His 11 goals in 27 league appearances this season didn’t make headlines in Accra, but Addo’s staff spotted him. "He doesn’t need the spotlight to perform," one source close to the technical team told GhanaWeb. "He just does it. Again. And again."
Then there’s Kelvin Nkrumah, the 21-year-old winger from Medeama SC. He didn’t just help his team climb to second in the Ghana Premier League — he rewrote the script. With 8 goals and 6 assists in 14 matches, he’s been the league’s most electric attacker. "He’s the kind of player you watch and think, ‘Why wasn’t he called up sooner?’" said former Black Stars captain John Paintsil on radio Peace FM on November 12.
And then there’s Prince Osei Owusu. Born in Germany, raised in Stuttgart’s famed academy, he’s played in Bundesliga 2, scored 17 goals for Hoffenheim, and netted nine times for CF Montreal in MLS. At 27, he’s not a teenager anymore — but he’s still unproven at the international level. "He’s the missing link in the final third," Addo said in his pre-squad briefing. "He’s been on our radar for two years. Now’s the time."
The Arrival in Nagoya
The squad didn’t all arrive together. It came in waves. Eighteen players landed in Nagoya by Tuesday, November 12, 2025, at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel. Two home-based players — Nkrumah and Owusu — had left Accra on Sunday, November 10, after Medeama’s league match. The rest trickled in over the next two days.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who had played 90 minutes for Accra Hearts of Oak in the heated Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on November 10, didn’t join until Wednesday, November 13. Meanwhile, Mohammed Salisu and Christopher Bonsu Baah were still en route. The first full training session on Wednesday saw only 19 players — but it was enough to see the chemistry forming. Bonsu Baah, who plays for Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, arrived just in time to join the session.
The squad’s cohesion, however, is still a work in progress. The absence of six key players — Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Ernest Nuamah, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku — leaves gaping holes. No Partey means no midfield engine. No Ayew means no leadership in the final third. No Kudus? No creativity on the left.
Why This Matters
These aren’t just tune-ups. They’re diagnostic tests. Ghana qualified for the World Cup in early November 2025 — but their path to the tournament is uncertain. Their last World Cup campaign in 2022 ended in group-stage disappointment. Addo knows: talent isn’t enough. Chemistry is.
The Kirin Cup, organized by Japan’s football association, is a rare chance to face two top Asian sides. Japan finished second in World Cup qualifying, South Korea reached the Round of 16. These aren’t exhibition games — they’re high-stakes rehearsals. And for the debutants? It’s make-or-break.
"We’re not just building a team for 2026," Addo said in a press conference on November 13. "We’re building a legacy. These boys? They’re the future. But they have to prove they belong — on the biggest stage."
What’s Next
On Friday, November 14, 2025, Ghana faces Japan at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM local time. Then, on Tuesday, November 18, they’ll travel to Seoul for the second leg.
By the time they return to Ghana on November 22, Addo will have a clearer picture. Who can handle pressure? Who thrives under the spotlight? Who’s ready to replace the legends?
One thing’s certain: the era of relying solely on European-based stars is ending. The next generation — from Medeama’s pitch to Montreal’s stadium — is stepping up. And Ghana’s fans? They’re watching. Closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these debutants being called up now, not earlier?
Otto Addo has been monitoring these players for over a year. Prince Kwabena Adu’s consistency in the Czech league and Kelvin Nkrumah’s explosive form in the Ghana Premier League only became undeniable in late 2025. The call-up timing aligns with Ghana’s World Cup qualification, giving the team a final chance to assess talent before the tournament.
How does the absence of key players affect Ghana’s chances in the Kirin Cup?
Losing Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew is a major blow — they’re the team’s heartbeat and goal threat. But Addo sees this as an opportunity to test depth. With only 22 players, the squad is lean. If the new players perform, it could reshape Ghana’s 2026 World Cup strategy, reducing reliance on aging stars.
What’s the significance of playing Japan and South Korea?
Japan and South Korea are two of Asia’s strongest teams, both ranked in the top 20 globally. Facing them offers Ghana a realistic simulation of World Cup opponents — especially in terms of tactical discipline and high pressing. These are not easy friendlies; they’re high-level benchmarks.
Is this squad selection controversial?
Yes. Some fans questioned why established players like Ernest Nuamah were left out while less-experienced names were chosen. But Addo’s decision reflects a long-term vision: prioritize form over reputation. With 12 of the 22 players under 25, the team is being rebuilt around youth — a risky but necessary move after years of stagnation.
Where will the training and matches take place?
The squad trained at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya before moving to Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture for their final session and match against Japan on November 14. The game against South Korea will be held in Seoul, though the exact venue remains unconfirmed. Both locations are standard for international friendlies in the region.
What’s the long-term goal of this squad selection?
Addo aims to create a sustainable, hybrid squad — blending experienced European-based players with emerging African talent. The Kirin Cup is the first real test. If the debutants deliver, Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign could be defined not by nostalgia, but by a new generation ready to carry the Black Stars into the future.
