From a Carabao Cup winner to a midfield general, Ghana’s match-winners are ready
As Ghana’s Black Stars take the field against Austria at the Ernst Happel Stadium this afternoon, Otto Addo’s squad carries genuine quality across every line. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now weeks away, the pressure to perform has never been greater. Here are five players who could make the difference in Vienna today.
Antoine Semenyo
No Black Stars player arrives in better form. Since completing a £64 million move to Manchester City in January, Semenyo hit the ground running, scoring on debut in an FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City before scoring the opening goal in a League Cup semi-final win over Newcastle United. He then featured in City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal to claim the 2025-26 EFL Cup, becoming the first Ghanaian to lift the trophy since Michael Essien did so with Chelsea 19 years ago. The challenge for Addo is bridging the gap between Semenyo’s outstanding club output and his comparatively modest return of three goals in 32 appearances for Ghana. Against Austria, the stage is set for him to begin closing that gap.
Thomas Partey
Partey’s return to the squad is among the most welcome developments of this window, bringing the kind of experience and authority that can anchor a midfield against high-pressing European opposition. Now operating at Villarreal, the deputy captain has been Ghana’s heartbeat throughout the qualifying campaign and remains the player best equipped to control tempo and protect the defence when Austria’s intensity builds.
Kamaldeen Sulemana
Sulemana, who completed a move from Southampton to Serie A side Atalanta, has made a bright start to life in Italy. His directness and speed on the left flank give Ghana a consistent threat in behind, and Austria’s high defensive line under Ralf Rangnick could be vulnerable to the runs he makes. He scored during the qualifying campaign and will be eager to carry that momentum into the World Cup window.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
The Leicester City winger has emerged as one of the squad’s most unpredictable attacking weapons. Comfortable cutting inside or driving wide, Issahaku’s ability to change the tempo of a game in seconds makes him a danger that Austria’s defenders will struggle to plan for. Ghana’s pace on the wings, with Issahaku operating alongside Semenyo and Sulemana, is identified as one of the Black Stars’ clearest strengths heading into this fixture.
Alexander Djiku
With key defender Mohammed Salisu absent through injury, Djiku’s return to the squad carries extra weight. The experienced centre-back is back alongside the new call-ups to provide defensive structure against an Austrian attack that includes the threat of Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic. His aerial presence and leadership at the back could prove as decisive as anything that happens in the final third.
