The Ghana Football Association has announced that Republic FC midfielder Aaron Essel has been selected to represent his home country in a training camp and international friendlies in preparation for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Essel will be with the Black Meteors from September 22 to October 4.
The 21-year-old utilityman has been a regular fixture for Ghana’s youth squads. Last year, he captained the U20 team twice before earning his first selection to Ghana’s senior National Team for an international friendly against Nigeria.
Since joining Republic FC earlier this year, Essel has established himself as a versatile two-way player. He made his club debut in Open Cup play on March 31 and helped Sacramento post a 4-0 win to advance to the Round 32. He has since gone on to make 22 appearances – and featured in 9 clean sheets across all competitions – and on September 5 scored his first goal for Republic FC, a late-match equalizer to keep Sacramento’s undefeated streak intact.
Essel is one of three Republic FC players to head out on international duty for the September-October window. He is joined by teammate Mayele Malango, who has joined the Malawi National Team for a pair of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, and academy player Judah Fisher, who will be with Rwanda in preparation for the U23 qualifiers.
Republic FC returns to action this Saturday with a road match against New Mexico United. The contest kicks off from Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on FOX40+, FOX40.com, and ESPN+.
