Chief Executive Officer of Medeama SC, James Essilfie, has expressed surprise over the exclusion of midfielder Salim Adams from the latest Black Stars squad.
As the Black Stars gears up for friendlies against Austria and Germany this, Ghana coach Otto Addo has summoned 26 players for the task ahead, with Benjamin Asare being the only home-based player to have made the cut.
Despite calls for the inclusion of Adams, the former Dortmund talent development trainer has entrusted other midfielders for the upcoming games over the Medeama star.
Ghana will face Austria on Friday, March 27, 2o26 before traveling to Stuttgart for their second friendly against Germany on March 30, 2026.
Speaking to Medeamaa FM, Essilfie admitted he expected Adams to be named in the squad for the upcoming international friendlies. However, he believes the enterprising midfielder can made the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“I’m a bit surprised Salim Adams didn’t earn a call-up,” Essilfie said. “But I’m confident he will be included in the World Cup squad if he keeps working hard.”
The 23-year-old has been the most standout performer for the Yellow and Mauve this season, scoring five goals in 21 league appearances as Medeama push strongly for the Ghana Premier League title.
Since arriving in Tarkwa at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, Adams has cemented his place as a key figure in head coach Ibrahim Tanko’s setup, combining energy, creativity, and tactical intelligence in midfield.
Adams is no stranger to national colours. He previously featured for Ghana’s U23 side, earning two caps and scoring once, demonstrating early signs of his potential on the international stage.
The midfielder first rose to prominence in 2021 following his move from New Edubiase United to Hearts of Oak, where he further developed his game and gained continental exposure. During his time with the Phobians, he also broadened his international experience with a loan spell at FC Cincinnati 2 in the United States.
The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format, with Ghana securing one of Africa's nine automatic slots. It will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.
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