Interim Black Stars head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man squad for Ghana’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia, recalling several key players while rewarding outstanding performers from the Ghana Premier League.
The squad combines experienced internationals with emerging domestic talents as Ghana seek to revive their qualification campaign after opening with consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Captain Jordan Ayew returns after missing the previous qualifiers through a groin injury, while Mohammed Kudus is back in the national team after a lengthy absence caused by the injury that ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Another notable return is Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, who rejoins the Black Stars for the first time since December 2022 after completing his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Defender Alidu Seidu also returns to strengthen Ghana’s backline.
Björkegren has also rewarded outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League by handing call-ups to FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful, Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata, and Medeama SC duo Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor, all of whom have impressed with their clubs this season.
The inclusion of the quartet reflects the interim coach’s commitment to recognising in-form home-based players as Ghana bid to get their AFCON campaign back on track.
The Black Stars opened their training camp in Accra on Sunday, November 8, before travelling to Sekondi for the two must-win encounters.
Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before taking on the East African side again at the same venue on Monday, November 16.
With no points from their opening two qualifiers, the Black Stars know that victories in both matches are essential to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Black Stars squad to face Somalia
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (KAS Eupen), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen)
Defenders: Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Jerome Opoku (İstanbul Başakşehir), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahçe), Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre), Isaac Afful (FC Samartex), Musa Hamzata (Asante Kotoko)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Elisha Owusu (AJ Auxerre), Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht), Etse Dogli (Medeama SC), Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (VfL Osnabrück), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge)
Forwards: Jordan Ayew (Sheffield United), Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Felix Afena-Gyan (Juventus Next Gen), Jerry Afriyie (CD Lugo), Emmanuel Annor (Medeama SC), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton), Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (Hamburger SV).
