Highly-rated Samartex defender Isaac Afful has been handed a maiden call-up to Ghana’s senior national team, Black Stars ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The enterprising left-back joins Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare as the only home-based players to have made the squad for the crucial games against Sudan.
Afful has been outstanding for the Timber Giants since joining the club from Division One League club, Skyy FC. He was instrumental when Samartex annex the Ghana Premier League title for the first time in history.
His outstanding performance did not go unnoticed, earning him a place in Otto Addo’s 25-man squad for the crucial games.
The 25-year-old made an outstanding debut appearance with Samartex in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
His scored a crucial goal to secure a 1-0 away win over Victoria United as Samartex progress with a 2-0 aggregate win.
Meanwhile, notable players like Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and Mohammed Salisu have all been included in the team.
Captain, Andre Ayew, who is unattached has been overlooked for the third time in a row.
The four-time champions of the AFCON title are without a win in their opening games in Group F, losing to Angola and drawing against Niger in September.
The Black Stars will be hoping to revive their AFCON 2025 qualification chances when they face Sudan after a sloppy start to the qualifiers last month.
Otto Addo’s side aim to secure one of the top two spots in Group F to qualify for the AFCON tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026 in Morocco.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Sylvester Ntim
