Fatawu Issahaku: Main Reason Otto Addo Dropped Leicester Star from Black Stars Squad
- Ghana head coach Otto Addo has released a 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali
- One of the notable omissions is Fatawu Issahaku, who despite his brilliant start to the season with Leicester City, was left out of the squad
- The Ghana FA explained the reasoning behind Otto Addo’s technical team's decision to omit him
The real reason why Ghana head coach Otto Addo excluded Abdul Fatawu Issahaku from the Black Stars squad has emerged.
On Tuesday evening, August 26, Addo officially named a strong 24-man roster for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali.
Source: Getty Images
The squad features several key regulars, including Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams.
Among the notable inclusions is Union Berlin left-back Derrick Arthur Köhn, who has earned his first call-up after an impressive run of form in Germany.
Another addition is winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, who recently joined Serie A side Atalanta after leaving Southampton.
Midfielder Elisha Owusu, who plies his trade in France, also makes a return following a long spell on the sidelines with injury.
However, one of the most surprising omissions is Leicester City winger Fatawu Issahaku, who has been in excellent form since the start of the new Championship season.
Why Fatawu Issahaku was dropped
The 21-year-old has impressed with his performances, even netting a stunning winner for the Foxes against Charlton Athletic over the weekend, Sky Sports reported.
But despite his bright displays, Issahaku is just returning from a lengthy injury layoff and has managed only three competitive appearances in the last eight months.
GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, has explained via Facebook the reason behind Addo’s decision to drop Issahaku.
"As for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Otto Addo and his team are pleased to see him back in action. However, given the circumstances surrounding his long layoff, they are cautious about rushing his return."
"The medical teams from Ghana and Leicester City have had extensive discussions about the player and have decided to give him time. One reason for this cautious approach is that the upcoming match's AstroTurf pitch in N’jamena may not be suitable for Issahaku's return following his recent ACL injury," he added.
Source: Getty Images
The Black Stars will regroup in Accra on Monday, September 1, to commence preparations for the next round of games in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana will face off with Chad and Mali next month in crucial qualification games in Group I.
According to Ghanafa.org, the Black Stars will train at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday and Tuesday before departing for N’djamena Tuesday evening.
The game against Chad on Matchday 7 of the African qualifiers will be played on Thursday, September 4.
After the match against Chad at Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, the Black Stars will return to Ghana to prepare for a tough clash against Mali.
The Mali showdown is scheduled to be played on Monday, September 8, and will kick off at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 pm.
Ghana is aiming to bag all six points from the two games to make a bid step towards qualification to next year's World Cup.
Below is the Black Stars schedule:
Why Andre Ayew was dropped
YEN.com.gh earlier reported extensively on the reason Otto Addo omitted Andre Ayew from the Black Stars squad that contested the World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March of thie year.
The Ghanaian team dispatched Chad 5-0 in Accra and Madagascar 3-0 in Morocco to take a commanding lead in their qualifying group.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
