I’m not afraid to bench any player – Otto Addo

Ghana coach Otto Addo has emphasized that he is not afraid to bench any player ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

He made these remarks after being asked why he is not giving local players the opportunity in the Black Stars.

Many Ghana Premier League players receive call-ups but never get the chance to play for the Black Stars.

After naming the squad for the games against Angola and Niger on Thursday, Addo said, “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?"

“Then, because 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.

Three days later, the Black Stars will host Niger in their final qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.

Ghana currently sits third in Group F with two points from four games, five points behind second-placed Sudan and ten points behind Angola, who sit at the top of the group.