Derrick Kohn Will Be Ghana's 'Best' Foreign Player Since KP Boateng, Says Ex-GFA Spokesperson

Derrick Kohn Will Be Ghana's 'Best' Foreign Player Since KP Boateng, Says Ex-GFA Spokesperson

  • The most promising foreign-born talent since Kevin-Prince Boateng has finally earned a spot in Otto Addo’s Black Stars squad
  • According to a former GFA top official, Derrick Kohn’s inclusion addresses a long-standing issue for the national team
  • His versatility across multiple positions will be a major asset as Ghana aims to secure World Cup qualification next month

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Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communication Director Ibrahim Saanie Daara has applauded the decision to include Derrick Arthur Kohn in the Black Stars squad.

The German-born defender, he suggests, could be the solution to one of Ghana’s lingering positional issues.

Derrick Arthur Kohn, Ibrahim Saanie Daara, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ghana Black Stars, 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Derrick Kohn receives high praise from Ibrahim Saanie Daara and is compared to Kevin-Prince Boateng. Photos by Kevork Djansezian/Getty and @fcunion/X.
Source: Getty Images

Derrick Kohn will be the best foreign player since Kevin-Prince Boateng

According to Daara, Kohn’s arrival has the potential to address the team’s left-back challenges permanently.

“Derrick Kohn will be the most influential foreign-born player for Ghana since Kevin-Prince Boateng,” he wrote on X.

The seasoned journalist revealed that the idea of calling up Kohn has been on the minds of the Black Stars’ technical team for years.

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“Three years ago, I asked Otto why he was not called for the Black Stars. Otto said the talented player said he was not yet ready,” Daara recounted.
He added with conviction, “Kohn will permanently solve our left-back problems,” highlighting the player’s readiness to make an impact at the highest level.

How does Derrick Kohn improve the Black Stars?

Kohn is far from a conventional full-back and thrives in high-pressure situations, often surging forward to create overloads and destabilise opposing defences.

A video on X highlights this:

His pace makes him a lethal weapon on the counter, while his precision in delivering dangerous crosses constantly tests opponents.

Defensively, Kohn is combative, brave, and unafraid to put his body on the line – qualities that make him a coach’s dream in high-intensity systems.

The 26-year-old follows in the footsteps of several German-born players who have opted to represent Ghana in recent years.

Read also

Derrick Kohn: Meet the German-born defender included in Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers squad

Stefan Ambrosius, Patrick Pfeiffer, and Daniel Kofi-Kyereh all made the switch, while Kevin-Prince Boateng remains the most famous example.

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Boateng’s journey with the Black Stars was a rollercoaster. He made 16 appearances, scoring twice, according to Transfermarkt, and starred at the 2010 World Cup.

Despite being part of the controversial 2014 World Cup squad sent home, he proved exceptional whenever he wore the national jersey.

Road to the 2026 World Cup

Kohn’s call-up comes ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September.

Ghana will first travel to N'Djamena to face Chad on September 4, before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium four days later.

Black Stars, 2026 World Cup qualifier, Mali, Chad, Derrick Kohn, Accra Sports Stadium.
Players of the Black Stars lineup for the ceremonial group photo before the World Cup qualifier against Chad in Accra. Photo credit: @GhanaBlackstars/X.
Source: Twitter

Victories in this doubleheader would put the Black Stars on the verge of securing a ticket to next year’s tournament in North America, making Kohn’s inclusion a timely boost for coach Otto Addo’s squad.

Andre Ayew faces Black Stars setback

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In a separate report, YEN.com.gh revealed that Andre Ayew has faced another setback as he misses out on the latest Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The 35-year-old forward has been a key figure for Ghana over the past decade, earning 120 caps and scoring 24 goals. However, recent challenges at the club level have taken a toll on his international career.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe avatar

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.

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