Black Stars Friendlies: Derrick Köhn and three others make strong selection case

The debate over who deserves a seat on Ghana’s plane to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already heating up, and if the recent friendlies are anything to go by, a few names have forced themselves into that conversation with authority.

These weren’t just routine exhibition matches. Coming up against European opposition like Germany and Austria provided a different level of scrutiny, intensity, and expectation.

And in that environment, where mistakes are punished and composure is tested, four players emerged with reputations enhanced and doubts quietly silenced.

Benjamin Asare

For a goalkeeper who has long dominated headlines in the Ghana Premier League, Benjamin Asare arrived at the international stage carrying both momentum and skepticism.

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Yes, he had kept clean sheets in the World Cup qualifiers. Yes, his performances domestically had been consistent.

But the lingering question from fans was simple: could he replicate that level against elite opposition on the world stage?

Against Germany, those doubts didn’t disappear entirely, but they softened.

There were nervy moments. A misjudged cross nearly turned costly, a reminder of the fine margins at this level.

But what stood out more was his response. Asare made key saves under pressure, showing strong reflexes and positioning.

His distribution, already one of his strengths, remained sharp, calm passes under pressure, quick transitions, and a willingness to play out from the back.

It wasn’t a flawless performance. But it was credible. And more importantly, it was convincing enough to suggest he won’t be overawed by the World Cup stage.

Derrick Kohn

For a long time, the left-back position in the Black Stars felt settled. Gideon Mensah had made it his own, offering consistency and reliability.

But Derrick Kohn is changing that narrative.

Against Germany, Kohn didn’t just compete, he made a statement. His energy down the flank, his attacking intent, and his willingness to take risks added a different dimension to Ghana’s play.

The defining moment came when his cross led to the equaliser, a delivery that showcased both vision and execution.

It’s not just about one assist, though. It’s about what he represents: competition.

Kohn’s rise introduces a genuine selection dilemma. Do you stick with the established option, or do you reward the player bringing fresh energy and attacking edge?

For now, what’s clear is this: the left-back spot is no longer guaranteed.

A selection headache, of the best kind.

Prince Adu Kwabena

At 22, Prince Adu Kwabena is beginning to carry the kind of excitement Ghanaian fans have been craving in attack.

Heading into the friendlies, he had already hit six goals in his previous outings, a stat that raised eyebrows.

But numbers alone don’t always translate at international level. Performance does.

And against Austria and Germany, Adu delivered.

He didn’t just look like a finisher; he looked like a complete forward. His movement troubled defenders, his pace stretched backlines, and his link-up play brought others into the game.

More importantly, he showed a willingness to battle, physically engaging defenders, holding up play, and pressing from the front.

Fans were quick to draw comparisons to Asamoah Gyan, not in terms of legacy, but in presence.

That same aggression, that same instinct to attack space, that same ability to make something happen.

Ghana has been searching for a consistent attacking focal point since Gyan’s era.

Adu isn’t there yet, but for the first time in a while, there’s a genuine sense that someone is stepping forward.

Kojo Peprah

Thrown into the deep end against Germany, Kojo Peprah could easily have been overwhelmed. Instead, he held his own, and then some.

After missing the Austria game, Peprah was handed a starting role in a back five system deployed by former coach Otto Addo.

It was a tactical setup designed for discipline, structure, and resilience, and Peprah fit right in.

Up against some of Germany’s most dangerous attackers, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, and Serge Gnabry, the 21-year-old didn’t look out of place.

He won duels, read the game well, and showed composure beyond his years.

His night was cut short by an injury after 56 minutes, a frustrating end to what had been a promising performance.

But the bigger picture tells a positive story. Since returning to his club, OGC Nice, he has helped his team to keep two clean sheets, reinforcing the idea that his performance against Germany was no fluke.

For a national team constantly searching for defensive stability, Peprah’s emergence couldn’t be more timely.

Friendlies rarely define careers, but they do shape perceptions. And in these matches, Benjamin Asare, Derrick Kohn, Prince Adu Kwabena and Kojo Peprah have all shifted how they are viewed within the national team setup.

They’ve gone from hopefuls to contenders.

With the World Cup approaching, Ghana’s challenge won’t just be about finding quality, it will be about choosing between it.

And if these performances are anything to go by, some difficult decisions lie ahead.

FKA/JE

Meanwhile, watch the latest episode of Sports Check with Frederick Ansah Botchway