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Partey returns, Bonsu Baah gets first call-up

Christopher Bonsu Baah has received his first-ever call-up to the Ghana national team as head coach Otto Addo named a 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
The talented 20-year-old winger, who plies his trade with Belgian side Genk, has been rewarded for his impressive performances in Europe. His selection presents a golden opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage.

Partey’s return strengthens midfield
Adding further depth to the squad is the return of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who has been out of national duty for over a year due to injuries.
Partey’s last appearance for Ghana was in 2023, and his comeback provides a massive boost to Otto Addo’s midfield. With over 50 international caps, his experience will be crucial as Ghana aims to strengthen its position in Group I.

Experience with fresh talent
While Partey’s return headlines the squad announcement, Addo has also retained several key players, including Kamaldeen Sulemana, who is back in the team after recovering from an injury.
The Southampton winger’s pace and dribbling ability will be key assets in Ghana’s attack.

CD Lugo forward Jerry Afriyie, who impressed in a friendly against Niger last year, has also been recalled, further bolstering Ghana’s attacking options.
In addition, three home-based players have made the squad: Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC), and Razak Simpson (Nations FC).
Their inclusion highlights the growing trust in the Ghana Premier League as a source of talent for the national team.

Road to qualification continues
The Black Stars currently sit second in Group I with nine points from four matches, level with leaders Comoros.
Ghana began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar before suffering a setback against Comoros.
However, they bounced back in June 2024 with victories over Mali and the Central African Republic to keep their World Cup dream alive.
With only the group winners securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the upcoming matches are crucial. Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24.
Otto Addo’s squad will assemble on March 17 for four days of training ahead of the first match. With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, the Black Stars will be determined to maintain their momentum and take another step toward securing their place in the next World Cup.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (FC St. Gallen), Joseph Wollacott (Crawley Town), Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak).

Defenders:
Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre), Ebenezer Annan (Red Star Belgrade), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahçe), Jonas Adjetey (FC Basel), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), Kingsley Schindler (Samsunspor), Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC).

Midfielders:
Thomas Partey (Arsenal FC), Elisha Owusu (AJ Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon).

Forwards:
Antoine Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Jerry Afriyie (CD Lugo), Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Genk).

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