By: Kwame Bediako
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has unveiled his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, setting the stage for intense battles against Chad and Mali. These fixtures are crucial for Ghana’s hopes of securing a spot in the global tournament, and Addo’s selection reflects his strategy to blend experience with fresh talent. Among the notable inclusions is German-born left back Derrick Kohn, who just received his first call up to the national team. Derrick Kohn, 26, currently plies his trade at Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga, where he made a significant impact last season.
Demonstrating defensive solidity combined with attacking prowess, Kohn tallied two goals and provided two assists during the league campaign. His versatility and dynamism on the left flank are expected to add a new dimension to the Black Stars’ style of play as they look to advance in a fiercely competitive group.
Kohn’s football journey has been marked by steady growth and adaptability across top European leagues. He began his career in the youth academy of Hamburger SV before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich’s U-23 side in 2017.
His performances caught attention, leading him to the Netherlands, where he signed for Willem II and gathered valuable playing time in the Eredivisie. Returning to Germany, Kohn joined Hannover 96 before making a significant switch in 2023 to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
His time in Turkey was followed by a loan move to Werder Bremen in February 2024, where he made an instant impression by scoring on his Bundesliga debut against Mainz. This blend of domestic and international experience has helped shape Kohn into a player ready for the challenges of international football at the highest level.
As the Black Stars prepare for their World Cup qualifiers, the inclusion of a player like Derrick Kohn signals Otto Addo’s commitment to leveraging diverse talent pools, including the diaspora, to strengthen the squad.
With his Bundesliga form and continental experience, Kohn could become a key figure in Ghana’s pursuit of World Cup qualification, providing both defensive resilience and offensive impetus from the left back position.
