By: Kwame Bediako
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has confirmed that defender Derrick Kohn is still awaiting FIFA approval to represent the Black Stars in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mali at Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.
Kohn, who was born in Germany, was first called up for the September doubleheader against Chad and Mali but was unable to feature in the opening 1-1 draw in N’Djamena due to a pending documentation problem.
Otto Addo revealed the team faced several challenges in Chad, including the absence of Kohn, as the Ghana Football Association had not yet received the necessary FIFA approval for the player’s eligibility.
“We were hoping to get it in time, but up to now, we haven’t,” Otto Addo told reporters at the pre-match press conference. He expressed optimism that the paperwork might be resolved by the morning of the Mali game.
The coach emphasized that his squad selections are based solely on player quality and not their place of development or birth. “We are always open to players of Ghanaian descent, whether local, from abroad, or born in the diaspora. What matters is quality, and I have to choose the best,” Otto Addo explained.
Kohn, recently completed a transfer to Bundesliga club Union Berlin from Galatasaray following an impressive season in Turkey. Considered a promising long-term option at left-back, his inclusion could strengthen Ghana’s defensive options in crucial qualifiers.
The Black Stars aim to build momentum in front of their home fans as they look to improve on the draw in Chad and secure vital points against Mali on Monday. The pending FIFA clearance for Kohn remains a key factor in their team selection for the important World Cup qualifier.
