The Ghana Football Association has unveiled Otto Addo’s 25-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. The Black Stars are set to clash with Chad in N’Djamena on September 4 before returning to the Accra Sports Stadium to face Mali four days later. Currently sitting atop Group I with 15 points, Ghana is gearing up for crucial matches to secure their spot in the World Cup.
Here are six key takeaways from the squad selection:
- No Major Changes: The core of the team remains intact, with familiar faces like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Alexander Djiku all making the cut.
- Key Returnees: Joseph Paintsil, Ibrahim Osman, Tariq Lamptey, and several others are making a comeback to the squad after prolonged absences.
- Debutant Derrick Kohn: Union Berlin defender Derrick Kohn is the sole debutant in the squad, bringing fresh talent to the team.
- One Home-based Player: Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak is the only locally-based player included in the squad, showcasing the team’s reliance on overseas talent.
- Curious Omission of Thomas-Asante: Despite his recent form and impressive performances, Brandon Thomas-Asante has been left out of the squad, raising questions among fans and pundits.
- Common Sense in Issahaku and Seidu Cases: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Alidu Seidu have been omitted from the squad due to injury concerns, despite their recent returns to action.
As the Black Stars gear up for crucial World Cup qualifiers, fans will be eagerly anticipating the team’s performance and hoping for a successful campaign to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament. Stay tuned for more updates on Ghana’s journey in the qualifiers.