Sports News of Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Social media users question Otto Addo over Caleb Yirenkyi’s position

Some social media users have raised concerns about Black Stars head coach Otto Addo’s decision to play Caleb Yirenkyi as a defender.

The Black Stars squad announcement was made official as Ghana prepares to travel to Vienna to face Austria on March 27, before heading to Stuttgart for a high-profile clash against Germany on March 30, 2026.

The matches are expected to provide a strong test for Ghana as the team continues preparations for upcoming international competitions.

The four new faces in Black Stars squad for Austria and Germany

In the squad list released by the technical team, Yirenkyi was placed among the defenders, a role he has often been assigned since joining the national team.

However, some members of the public, through social media, expressed displeasure with the coach’s insistence on playing the Nordsjaelland player in a defensive role, arguing that his strengths lie elsewhere.

They noted that the player performs well and contributes massively when deployed in midfield, urging Otto Addo to use him in that position as the team prepares for the World Cup.

Others suggested that the defensive role limits Yirenkyi’s ability to operate fully as he does for his club, which could be detrimental to the team.

Caleb Yirenkyi is widely recognised as a holding or box-to-box midfielder, known for his work rate and control, hence fans calling for him to be used in the same role for the Black Stars.

Read the comments below:

Caleb Yirenkyi listed as a defender?
Charley Otto Addo smh
— ACCRA MAYOR 🥲🥷 (@0panaa_1) March 16, 2026

Terrible squad Caleb is not a Defender the earlier You guys realize this the better and don’t play 3 back!
— Ernest Kofi Norgbodzi (@NodziKofi) March 17, 2026

Why is Caleb Yirenkyi listed as a defender?
— Zinny Pan (@zinnypan) March 16, 2026

Caleb Yirenkyi is not a defender!
— ETERNAL OPTIMIST (@slypopo16) March 17, 2026

Caleb Tirenkyi is not a defender
Otto must know that
— KWASISANCHEZ (@GmnKwasi) March 16, 2026

Caleb as a defender again?🤦🏾‍♂️
— Santasi Lebron💥 (@Randy_Mens) March 16, 2026

Caleb isn’t a defender
— Memphis (@Memphis__24) March 16, 2026

Hmm Caleb listed as a defender when only 4 midfielders were called and none currently performing better him🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️
— …🇬🇭 (@Psych_Guy0) March 16, 2026