Ghana’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in June has been announced by Otto Addo.
The Black Stars coach has selected 26 players for the double-header, starting with a trip to Bamako to face the Eagles on June 6.
The Black Stars will then return home to battle the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10.
The squad includes debut call-ups for Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana and West Bromwich forward Brandon Thomas-Asante. Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare is the only home-based player named in the squad.
Otto Addo has kept faith with many of his trusted players and big names ahead of the crucial game against Mali. Fit-again Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad, alongside Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens), and Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco).
The squad also features striker Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), wingers Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), and Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade).
Other players include Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge), and Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich).
Seven players have been confirmed injured and will miss the double-header: Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, Nathaniel Adjei, Dennis Odoi, and Daniel Amartey. Daniel Kofi Kyere and Joseph Aidoo are also out with long-term injuries.
The 26-man squad will report for duty on Thursday morning as they begin preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The Black Stars will train at the University of Ghana Stadium for six days before departing for Bamako on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Jojo Wollacot (Hibernian FC), Frederick Asare (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders: Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre),Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari Calcio), Edmund Addo (FK Radnicki Nis), Thomas Partey (FC Arsenal), Elisha Owusu ( AJ Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge).
Forwards: Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City, loan from Sporting CP), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich).
Credit: Ghana Football Association