AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu has earned a recall to the Black Stars after being named in Ghana’s 26-man squad for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.
The commanding centre-back returns to the national team after recovering from the injury that sidelined him for several months and ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren included Salisu among the notable returnees for the must-win qualifiers, alongside captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.
Salisu’s return comes as a significant boost for Ghana, with the 27-year-old expected to add experience, composure and defensive solidity to a side desperate to revive its AFCON qualifying campaign.
The former Southampton defender has established himself as one of Ghana’s most reliable defenders in recent years, and his availability strengthens the Black Stars’ backline ahead of two decisive fixtures.
Ghana will host Somalia in Matchdays Three and Four of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the first meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 12, before the reverse fixture on Monday, November 16. Both matches will be played at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi.
The Black Stars head into the double-header under immense pressure after suffering successive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia during the opening two rounds of qualifying, leaving the four-time African champions rooted to the bottom of Group C without a point.
With their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Ghana must secure maximum points against Somalia to remain in contention for a place at the continental showpiece.
The Black Stars are determined to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco, their first absence from the competition since 2004.
The 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, now represents an opportunity for Ghana to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite, with Salisu’s return providing a timely lift ahead of two pivotal encounters.
