Former Ghana international Yaw Preko has urged Ghanaians to rally behind Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
Partey, who recently joined Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, was named in Otto Addo’s 24-man squad despite facing a court case in the UK over rape and sexual assault charges.
Preko stressed that the midfielder remains innocent until proven guilty and called for national support to boost his confidence. He described Partey as a key player whose presence is vital for Ghana’s qualification hopes.
The Black Stars will open camp in Accra on September 1 before traveling to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4. They will then return home to play Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.
Ghana currently tops Group I with 15 points after six matches, three points clear of Comoros and five ahead of Madagascar, as the team pushes for a fifth World Cup appearance.
