Asante Kotoko SC midfielder Emmanuel Antwi has earned his first call-up to the Ghana national team, marking a significant step in his career as he prepares to help the Black Stars in their final qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This opportunity is a reward for Antwi’s impressive performances in the Ghana Premier League, where the 24-year-old has made an immediate impact since joining Kotoko at the start of the 2024-25 season from Great Olympics.
Having appeared in nine league matches and scored once, his form and dedication have brought him well-deserved recognition on the national stage.
Antwi’s selection for the national team, led by head coach Otto Addo, is a testament to his skill and potential. His inclusion in the squad makes him one of only three home-based players chosen for these decisive qualifiers, highlighting the growing respect for domestic league talent in the national setup. He joins FC Samartex 1996 defender Isaac Afful and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson as the only players from the Ghana Premier League in the 23-man squad. This trio will represent the strength of Ghana’s domestic league on an international level, showcasing local talent in matches that could determine the future of Ghanaian football on the continental stage.
Ghana’s upcoming fixtures are critical to the nation’s hopes of reaching AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The Black Stars, currently sitting third in Group F with only two points from four matches, face a daunting task to keep their qualification hopes alive. To achieve this, the team must win both of their remaining matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere. Sudan, currently second in the group, stands as a formidable barrier to Ghana’s chances, as the Black Stars need Sudan to falter in their remaining matches to gain an advantage.
The first of Ghana’s final two qualifiers will take place at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, where they will face group leaders Angola on Friday, November 15, 2024. This away game is expected to be a formidable challenge, as Angola has already secured their place in the AFCON tournament and will enter the match with the freedom of a team that has nothing at stake. For Ghana, however, the stakes could not be higher. The team needs to secure a win to stay in the hunt for qualification, making it a test of both skill and mental fortitude for the Black Stars.
Following their encounter in Luanda, Ghana will return home to the Accra Sports Stadium, where they will take on Niger on Monday, November 18. This home game offers an opportunity for the Black Stars to rally with the support of their fans and capitalize on the home-field advantage in what could be a make-or-break match. The players and coaching staff are well aware that anything short of victory in both games will end their AFCON journey prematurely, marking the first time in two decades that Ghana would miss out on the tournament.
For coach Otto Addo, these final qualifiers represent an immense challenge and a test of his leadership. Ghana’s AFCON qualification campaign has been fraught with difficulties, and criticism of the team’s performance has mounted with each setback. The team’s current position is far from what fans and the Ghana Football Association had hoped for, especially given the Black Stars’ proud history in African football. Addo, who has faced scrutiny over his choices in recent matches, now has a chance to silence critics by leading Ghana through these crucial games.
Emmanuel Antwi’s inclusion brings fresh energy and optimism to the squad. As a midfielder known for his versatility and ability to control the game’s pace, he offers a dynamic option for Addo in what will be high-stakes encounters. Antwi’s call-up is also a reminder of the importance of domestic talent in national team development.
His story will inspire young players across Ghana who dream of representing their country, demonstrating that hard work and dedication in the local league can lead to opportunities on the international stage.
The pressure to succeed in these qualifiers is immense, and the Ghanaian football community is rallying behind the Black Stars, hoping they can overcome the odds to secure their place in Morocco. The team’s current standing has left fans on edge, and the excitement is matched only by the anxiety of potentially missing out on the AFCON. For players like Antwi, Afful, and Simpson, representing the Ghana Premier League, this moment is an opportunity to show the quality of domestic football and make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s success.
The Black Stars are not just playing for a spot in the tournament—they are playing to restore faith among their supporters and reaffirm their place in African football. A strong showing in the next two matches would not only ensure qualification but also serve as a statement of resilience and determination.
As the team prepares for its final AFCON qualifiers, the spotlight will be on both established players and newcomers alike. Emmanuel Antwi’s journey from the Ghana Premier League to the national squad serves as a beacon of hope and motivation, reflecting the potential within Ghana’s local leagues. The coming matches will test the team’s unity, strategy, and ability to handle pressure, with the outcome holding significant implications for Ghanaian football.
In the days leading up to the qualifiers, Ghanaian fans are eager to see if the Black Stars can rise to the occasion and overcome the odds. Coach Addo’s leadership, combined with Antwi’s fresh presence and the support of the nation, could provide the necessary boost to carry Ghana across the finish line.
With a clear goal in mind and the weight of national expectations on their shoulders, the Black Stars are ready to fight for a place in AFCON 2025, hoping to make Ghana proud and secure their legacy in the annals of African football.
