Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, will face Mexico in a crucial pre-World Cup friendly match on May 28, with head coach Carlos Queiroz utilizing the fixture to assess an influx of new talent. A 23-man squad, largely comprising U-23 and Ghana Premier League players, has been announced, featuring several debutants who could stake a claim for a World Cup spot.
Squad Assessment Ahead of Global Showpiece
The upcoming friendly against Mexico serves as a vital platform for head coach Carlos Queiroz to fine-tune his squad selections ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup. With the tournament on the horizon, Queiroz is keen to explore new options and integrate emerging players into the national team setup.
A significant aspect of the squad announcement is the inclusion of several players receiving their first-ever call-ups to the senior national team. This strategic move indicates a deliberate effort to broaden the team’s talent pool and identify potential game-changers.
Spotlight on Debutants
Among the new faces making headlines is 19-year-old centre-back Dacosta Antwi. Currently plying his trade with RSCA Futures in Belgium, Antwi has impressed with 18 appearances and his first goal in the Belgian Challenger Pro League this season. On loan from Young Apostles, his promising performances also earned him a spot in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament for the group stage.
Manu Duah, a defender with roots in Kumasi, also receives a debut invitation. Duah developed through the United States college system before being selected first overall in the MLS draft by San Diego FC. His primary position is centre-back, but his ability to play in midfield offers valuable tactical flexibility for the Black Stars.
Winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi represents another significant addition. Having previously played for England at youth international levels, Rak-Sakyi has now switched his allegiance to Ghana. He has demonstrated his attacking prowess this season, contributing seven goals and one assist across various competitions during his loan spells.
The defense receives further reinforcement with the inclusion of Oscar Naasei Oppong, who currently plays for Granada CF. Versatile enough to operate at both centre-back and right-back, Oppong has distinguished himself in Spain’s La Liga 2. His accurate long passing has particularly stood out, positioning him among the top players in his role for distribution effectiveness.
Completing the list of notable newcomers is midfielder Emmanuel Edjei. Since joining Dundee United earlier this year, Edjei has made an immediate impact. The former Dreams FC player was recognized as Player and Goal of the Month in March 2026 and recently netted his first goal for the Scottish club in a victory against Celtic.
Implications for Squad Selection and Future Performance
The integration of these five players into the Black Stars setup presents a compelling opportunity for them to demonstrate their capabilities on the international stage. Their performances against Mexico could significantly influence their chances of securing a place in Ghana’s final World Cup squad.
This influx of new talent not only diversifies Queiroz’s options but also injects fresh energy and competition into the team. The friendly match will be a critical test for these debutants, assessing their ability to adapt to the international level and contribute to the team’s overall strategy.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Queiroz finalizes his World Cup squad. The performances of Antwi, Duah, Rak-Sakyi, Oppong, and Edjei in the friendly will be closely scrutinized, potentially shaping the future trajectory of the Ghanaian national team in major tournaments.
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