Ghana head coach Otto Addo was in the stands at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, 15 February, leading a high-profile scouting mission during Hearts of Oak’s narrow 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko.
The “Super Clash,” the biggest fixture in the Ghanaian football calendar, served as a live audition for local players dreaming of a spot in the national squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico looming, Addo and his technical team are scouring the domestic league to “beef up” the Black Stars’ ranks.
The match was decided early on by a strike from Baba Adamu, securing the points for Hearts of Oak.
However, it was not just the goalscorers who caught the eye; goalkeeper Benjamin Asare earned plaudits for a commanding performance that kept the Porcupine Warriors at bay.
Addo did not travel alone. He was joined in Kumasi by a robust technical delegation, signaling the seriousness of the scouting mission.
The group included technical advisor Winfried Schäfer alongside Desmond Ofei, Alain Ravera, and Kim Lars Björkegren.
Their collective presence at the stadium underlines a unified effort to identify the best talent available to the national side.
This visit marks a strategic shift to ensure domestic talent is not overlooked in favour of European-based stars.
The former Borussia Dortmund talent coach has spent recent weeks monitoring high-profile Ghanaians across Europe’s top tiers, tracking the progress of players such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Salisu.
Yet, by appearing at the Baba Yara, Addo has sent a clear message: the door to the national team remains open for those performing on home soil.
By extending the scouting mission to Ghana’s top flight, Addo signals to local players that every league match is a chance to impress and stake their claim for the world stage.
As the race for World Cup spots intensifies, the Ghana Premier League has now become a vital proving ground for Addo’s evolving “Red, Gold, and Green” machine.
