Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled his squad for the opening two fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, bringing back several familiar faces while introducing players who have been rewarded for their recent club performances.
Mohammed Kudus headlines the list of returnees after missing Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign through injury. The Tottenham attacker endured a seven-month spell on the sidelines but has now regained his fitness and is back in contention as the Black Stars begin their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Alexander Djiku has also been handed a recall after injury prevented him from featuring at the World Cup. The Spartak Moscow centre-back has returned strongly at club level, completing 90 minutes in three consecutive games before the latest international break.
Jordan Ayew remains part of the squad, with the experienced forward retaining his place despite the criticism he faced following Ghana’s World Cup campaign. His continued presence gives Queiroz another experienced option as he begins shaping the team for the new qualifying cycle.
There is, however, no place for Thomas Partey. The midfielder has been left out after suffering an injury setback, denying Queiroz the services of one of Ghana’s most experienced players for the opening qualifiers.
Benjamin Asare has kept his position among the goalkeepers following his impressive form for Hearts of Oak. He will once again compete for the position alongside Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang.
Queiroz has also brought Nathaniel Adjei back into the fold after almost a year without a national team appearance. The Lorient defender has caught the coach’s attention with a series of strong displays in the French Ligue 1.
The Portuguese tactician has further expanded his options by handing call-ups to SV Elversberg defender Jan Gyamerah and New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor, both of whom have impressed with their respective clubs.
Ibrahim Osman and Sassuolo midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana are also back in the squad as Queiroz seeks to combine established international figures with players currently showing good form at club level.
Ghana face a challenging start to their qualifying campaign, travelling to meet Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
The Black Stars will then turn their attention to a high-profile friendly against Morocco in Morocco on October 4, giving Queiroz another opportunity to assess his squad as he continues to build his team for the next stage of his tenure.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Sylvester Ntim
