Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced a strong 25-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Chad and Mali, with the return of key stars Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana grabbing the headlines.
The squad, unveiled in Accra, features a blend of experienced internationals and new faces, reflecting Addo’s desire to balance stability with fresh energy as Ghana pushes to secure a ticket to the 2026 tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Goalkeepers: Zigi leads the charge
In the goalkeeping department, Lawrence Ati-Zigi of St. Gallen once again stands out as Ghana’s first-choice option.
He is joined by Joseph Anang of St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland and Hearts of Oak shot-stopper Benjamin Asare, who earns another chance to prove himself on the international stage.
Solid defensive core
Addo’s defensive line features both consistency and versatility. Key returnees include Gideon Mensah of Auxerre and Derrick Arthur Köhn of Union Berlin, while Mohammed Salisu of AS Monaco brings strength and composure at the back.
They are supported by Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahçe), Jonas Adjetey (FC Basel), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), and youngster Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), whose inclusion highlights Addo’s faith in emerging talent.
Midfield Reinforced by Partey’s Return
The midfield is headlined by the return of Ghana’s vice-captain, Thomas Partey, who has shaken off recent injury concerns to rejoin the squad. Partey will be expected to provide leadership and stability in the middle of the park.
He is joined by Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Osman (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Atalanta), and Abdul Salis Samed (OGC Nice).
With Partey and Samed anchoring, Ghana’s midfield looks equipped to both shield the defense and spark attacks.
Tottenham Hotspur star Mohammed Kudus also returns, adding flair, creativity, and goals.
His blistering form in the Premier League makes him one of Ghana’s biggest assets heading into these qualifiers.
Attacking options boosted by Sulemana and Williams
Up front, Otto Addo has assembled a diverse strike force. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil, and Athletic Club striker Iñaki Williams headline the call-ups.
The coach has also included Jordan Ayew, who is enjoying fine form at Leicester City, as well as Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al-Qadsiah), Jerry Afriyie (RAAL La Louvière), and the returning Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta).
This blend of pace, power, and experience is expected to trouble Chad and Mali’s defenses.
Key fixtures ahead
The Black Stars will first travel to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique on Thursday, September 4. Four days later, they will return home to the Accra Sports Stadium for a crucial clash against Mali on Monday, September 8.
With qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake, Otto Addo has urged his squad to deliver two decisive wins that will put Ghana firmly on course for another appearance at the global showpiece.
Expected outcomes
The return of Partey, Kudus, and Sulemana is expected to strengthen Ghana’s midfield creativity and attacking depth, while the inclusion of defensive stalwarts like Salisu and Djiku should improve the team’s solidity at the back.
Addo will also hope that Ghana’s new attacking inclusions, such as Caleb Yirenkyi and Christopher Bonsu Baah, can provide an injection of youthful energy.
Ultimately, victories over Chad and Mali would not only boost Ghana’s qualification hopes but also restore confidence in a Black Stars side eager to reclaim its status among Africa’s footballing giants.
