Kwasi Sibo Misses Black Stars Squad Despite Shining Against Real Madrid, Ghana FA Explains
- Kwasi Sibo has been left out of the Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali
- The Ghana FA explained the reasoning behind Otto Addo’s technical team's decision to omit him
- The 27-year-old midfielder has been performing well at the club level, including an impressive display against Real Madrid in La Liga
Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has explained why midfielder Kwasi Sibo was left out of the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September.
The Spain-based talent was notably absent from Otto Addo’s 24-man list announced on Tuesday, August 26.
Source: Getty Images
Sibo has made two appearances since Real Oviedo returned to La Liga for the first time in over twenty years.
As captured in a video below, he impressed with his composure and work rate, particularly against Real Madrid’s elite midfield featuring Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
His eye-catching hairstyle and commanding display on the pitch caught the attention of many fans, who expected him to earn a spot in the national team.
Despite Oviedo’s 3-0 loss, Sibo had a memorable personal moment, swapping jerseys with Kylian Mbappe after the game - a symbolic milestone for the Wa-born midfielder who developed his talent in Krofrom, near Kumasi.
Kwasi Sibo misses out on WCQ Black Stars squad
Henry Asante Twum clarified that Sibo’s omission does not reflect a lack of recognition.
“Kwasi Sibo will get his chance soon. The technical team has been monitoring him and is impressed with his work rate.
"Although they opted to maintain the core team following recent performances against Chad and Madagascar, Sibo is on their radar and will likely get an opportunity soon,” he wrote on Facebook.
Sibo is not the only prominent player missing from the squad.
Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who recently scored a stunning goal in their 1-0 victory over Charlton, also missed out.
Other omissions include Razak Simpson of Nations FC, Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru, and Coventry City striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, who has been in excellent form this season.
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the selected players are expected to start arriving on Monday, September 1, when Otto Addo opens camp in preparation for the double-header, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
Ghana will first travel to Chad on September 4 before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.
Victories in these matches would all but secure the Black Stars’ place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, making the upcoming fixtures pivotal for the team.
Otto Addo takes a bold stance on Andre Ayew
In a related report, YEN.com.gh noted that Andre Ayew was again left out of Otto Addo’s latest World Cup qualifying squad. The omission appears to send a subtle message to the Ghana U20 FIFA World Cup hero.
Repeated snubs suggest that Addo has moved on from the veteran forward, who is currently unattached after departing Le Havre.
Source: YEN.com.gh
