Otto Addo, the Head Coach of the Black Stars, has announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
The team is set to travel to Bamako for the match on June 6 before hosting the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10.
Thomas Partey returns to the squad after a lengthy injury absence and will serve as the team’s captain.
Notably, Andre Ayew, the team’s usual skipper, has not been included in the squad.
This decision has surprised many, especially given Ayew’s impressive form, scoring five goals for his club Le Havre in the French Ligue 1.
Other experienced players who are absent due to injuries include Daniel Amartey, Dennis Odoi, Kofi Kyere, Baba Iddrisu, and Joseph Painstil.
New faces in the squad include Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana and West Bromwich forward Brandon Thomas-Asante, both of whom have received their first call-ups.
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare is the only home-based player named in the squad.
The complete squad includes
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Wollacott, Frederick Asare
Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Salisu, Jerome Opoku, Abdul Mumin, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey
Midfielders
Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Salis Samed, Ibrahim Sulemana, Thomas Partey, Edmund Addo, Elisha Owusu, Abu Francis.
Forwards
Osman Bukari, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ibrahim Osman, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The Black Stars will commence a five-day training camp in Accra on May 30 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
The first qualifier against Mali will take place at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako on June 6, 2024, at 7 pm.
The second qualifier against the Central African Republic will be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10, 2024.
Ghana currently stands third in Group I with three points from two games.
