Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced a 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
The team, led by captain Jordan Ayew, features three home-based players: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson of Nations FC.
Deputy captain Thomas Partey, who plies his trade with Arsenal, returns to the squad after missing four of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year due to injury. Since making his debut for the national team in June 2016, Partey has amassed over 50 appearances, bringing experience and leadership to the squad.
Kamal Deen Sulemana of Southampton FC and Jerry Afriyie of CD Lugo have also made the squad. Sulemana has fully recovered from a long-term injury, while Afriyie has retained his place after delivering an impressive performance against Niger in November 2024.
Another notable inclusion is Christopher Bonsu Baah, the Genk-based winger capable of playing in an attacking midfield role. Having started his career with Accra Shooting Stars, Bonsu Baah made his way to Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 before moving to Belgium’s Genk in July 2023.
The Black Stars will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, for a four-day training camp ahead of their clash with Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025. They will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in another Group I encounter on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Currently, Ghana sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, level with Comoros after three wins and one loss. The Black Stars kicked off their qualification campaign with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar but suffered a setback against Comoros before bouncing back with successive wins over Mali and the Central African Republic in June 2024.
Key Absences Due to Injury
Despite the strong squad selection, Ghana will be without twelve key players due to injuries. The list includes Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Painstil.
Among the most notable injuries are Alidu Seidu (anterior cruciate ligament – rehab), Tariq Lamptey (ankle ligament injury), Brandon Thomas Asante (muscle tear), and Joseph Painstil (quadriceps). Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who is recovering from anterior cruciate ligament damage, and Majeed Ashimeru, who is still rebuilding fitness, will also miss out on these crucial fixtures.
With key players sidelined, Otto Addo will be relying on his selected squad to deliver as Ghana pushes forward in their quest for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Graphic Online
