Ghana’s Black Stars will take to the field tomorrow morning for their crucial Kirin Cup encounter against hosts South Korea, but they will do so without two of their most influential players.
Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Salisu have both withdrawn from the squad after picking up injuries, forcing them to return to their respective clubs for treatment.
Their absence comes as a major blow to head coach Otto Addo, whose team is already reeling from the devastating injury suffered by midfielder Francis Abu during their opening match against Japan last Friday.
Abu, who was stretchered off after a nasty challenge, was later diagnosed with a career-threatening injury. The incident deeply affected the Ghanaian team, casting a shadow over their preparations for the second game.
However, there was some relief in camp after the France-based midfielder successfully underwent surgery last Saturday. Despite the emotional setback, Otto Addo has urged his players to remain focused and show mental resilience.
“The injuries are unfortunate, but we cannot let our guard down,” Addo is reported to have said. “This is an opportunity for others to step up and make the nation proud.”
With Semenyo and Salisu out, new opportunities have emerged—particularly for some of the younger and locally based players. Among them is Medeama SC’s promising left winger, Kelvin Nkrumah, who received his maiden national team call-up for this window.
Nkrumah’s impressive form in the Ghana Premier League has not gone unnoticed, and he could be handed his first senior appearance should Otto Addo decide to inject fresh energy into the squad. 
His pace, dribbling ability, and flair on the flanks may prove useful against a South Korean side renowned for their quick transitions.
South Korea are expected to field a formidable lineup, boasting several players who are key figures in top European clubs. Their squad includes:
Son Heung-min – former Tottenham Hotspur captain and global superstar, Kim Min-jae – Bayern Munich’s commanding centre-back, Lee Kang-in, PSG’s creative midfielder and Lee Jae-sung, Mainz 05’s experienced playmaker, Jens Castrop, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s dynamic midfielder,
The Koreans, playing in front of their home fans, will be eager to assert dominance, especially after their strong performance in the tournament opener. Their trademark swift, counter-attacking football is expected to test the depleted Black Stars.
Despite their challenges, Ghana enter the fixture with a psychological edge. Historically, the Black Stars have dominated this matchup, winning four of their last five meetings with South Korea.
Their only defeat came during a friendly encounter, meaning tomorrow’s match presents an opportunity for Ghana to reassert their superiority.
Otto Addo’s men, however, know they must offer a vastly improved performance after their disappointing outing against Japan, where they struggled for cohesion and were second-best throughout the match.
The Kirin Cup, though a friendly tournament, has become an important test for Ghana as they continue to rebuild ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
The injuries, squad reshuffling, and criticism from fans have created a challenging environment, making the match a true test of character.
For the hosts, the game presents a golden chance to secure only their second-ever win over Ghana. With the World Cup on the horizon, they will approach the match as a crucial test of their readiness and squad depth.
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