Derrick Kohn’s Ghana debut awaits FIFA clearance ahead of Mali clash

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has confirmed that debutant Derrick Kohn is still awaiting FIFA clearance to be eligible for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.

Kohn, born in Germany, earned his first call-up for the September doubleheader against Chad and Mali but missed Thursday’s 1-1 draw in N’Djamena due to incomplete documentation.

“So, yeah, we had a lot of difficulties in Chad. One was also Derek. We didn’t get the FIFA approval. To that point, we were hoping that we got it, and up to now, we didn’t get it. I’m hoping that it will come tomorrow morning. This is the status quo,” Addo told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

The Ghana coach stressed that his selections are driven by quality rather than where players are developed. “In general, we are always open for any kind of players who are from Ghanaian descent. I always say it’s not about local players; it’s not about players from outside, or who are born in the diaspora. It’s about quality, and we are looking for all kinds of players. At the end, I have to choose,” he added.

Kohn, 26, joined Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin this summer from Galatasaray after an impressive campaign in Turkey. He is viewed as a long-term option for Ghana’s left-back position.

By: Enoch Fiifi Forson