Ghana’s Black Stars are finalizing preparations for a critical pair of friendly encounters, beginning with a test against Austria on Friday, March 27, at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
The team will then travel to Stuttgart to face Germany on Monday, March 30. These fixtures serve as a vital preparatory phase for head coach Otto Addo as he prepares his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars enter this window with a backdrop of momentum, having navigated a dominant qualifying campaign under Coach Addo. The team’s run included a solitary draw against Chad, complemented by commanding victories including a double over Mali cementing their status and building confidence within the camp.
Looking to maintain that hard-earned stability, Addo is expected to field a largely consistent starting eleven against Austria, adhering to the philosophy of preserving a winning structure while utilizing the friendly to assess new additions to the squad.
Solid Foundations in Goal and Defense
The man entrusted with the gloves, Benjamin Asare, is poised to continue as Ghana’s first line of defense. Following a series of stellar performances that solidified his position during the World Cup qualifiers, the Ghana Premier League standout has earned the unwavering trust of the technical staff. Asare’s reliability will be crucial as the Black Stars aim to establish defensive resilience against the Austrian attack.
In the defensive unit, continuity remains key. With Mohammed Salisu sidelined due to a season-ending injury, Otto Addo is expected to deploy a familiar backline.
Caleb Yirenkyi is set to retain his role at right-back, while Gideon Mensah will occupy the left flank. The central defensive partnership is likely to feature the experienced Alexander Djiku alongside Jerome Opoku, forming a core expected to provide both physicality and composure.
A Commanding Midfield Engine
The midfield pivot will see two established anchors tasked with controlling the tempo. Thomas Partey, widely regarded as the heartbeat of the side, is set to partner with Kwasi Sibo. Partey’s expansive passing range, tactical vision, and defensive acumen will be essential in dictating play and disrupting Austria’s rhythm.
This pairing, which has become a staple in the second round of the qualifiers, affirms the coach’s preference for balance and experience in the center of the park.
Attacking Trio and Creative Adjustments
In the final third, Ghana is expected to field a dynamic attacking trio.
Premier League star Antoine Semenyo, of Manchester City, will look to exploit the wide channels, while Fatawu Issahaku is slated to operate on the opposite flank. Leading the line as the central striker will be Prince Adu of Viktoria Plzen, who is anticipated to be the focal point of the attack.
With Mohammed Kudus ruled out due to injury, it is expected that captain Jordan Ayew will drop into the pivotal number ten position. Ayew’s experience and technical ability will be crucial in linking the midfield to the attack, providing creativity and leadership in the advanced playmaker role.
Looking ahead, the friendly against Austria is also viewed as an opportunity for test the debutants. Coach Otto Addo is expected to grant valuable minutes to debutants, offering them a platform to demonstrate their readiness to play for the Black stars and if they will fit within his tactical system.
These matches, therefore, represent not only a chance to preserve momentum but also to evaluate the depth of the squad as the final preparations for the World Cup continue.