The return of Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu and Daniel Kofi Kyereh has injected fresh hope into the Black Stars as Ghana prepare for a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.
Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man squad featuring several experienced internationals and promising home-based players, with the return of Kyereh after almost four years away from the national team emerging as one of the biggest talking points.
Ghana’s situation, however, makes the selection more than just another squad announcement. The four-time African champions are bottom of Group C without a point after losing their opening two matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. Ghana News Agency +1
The return of Mohammed Kudus is particularly significant. The Tottenham Hotspur attacker has not featured for Ghana in 2026 after an injury ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup. His creativity, attacking movement and ability to influence matches could provide a major boost to the team’s forward play.
Captain Jordan Ayew also returns after missing the previous qualifiers through a groin injury. His leadership and experience will be important as Ghana attempt to restore confidence and find the consistency that has been missing.
Thomas Partey and Mohammed Salisu add further experience to the squad, while Daniel Kofi Kyereh’s return is an emotional and significant development. The VfL Osnabrück midfielder has been away from the Black Stars since December 2022 following a lengthy injury setback.
Beyond the returning stars, Björkegren has rewarded domestic performances with maiden call-ups for Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata, FC Samartex’s Isaac Afful and Medeama SC duo Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor. Ghana Football Association +2
But are the returning stars enough to solve Ghana’s problems?
While the squad has quality and experience, the Black Stars’ recent performances have exposed concerns that go beyond individual player availability.
Conceding six goals in two opening qualifiers, including a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia after taking a two-goal lead, raises questions about defensive organisation, game management and the team’s ability to maintain concentration under pressure.
Björkegren must therefore do more than assemble talented individuals. He needs to build a balanced team capable of defending collectively, controlling midfield battles and converting attacking opportunities.
Ghana host Somalia at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before the return encounter on Monday, November 16.
With qualification hopes already under pressure, the Black Stars have little room for further disappointment.
The big names are back, the expectations are rising, and the supporters want answers on the pitch.
Is this the squad that will turn Ghana’s campaign around, or are the Black Stars dealing with deeper problems that cannot be solved by recalling established players?
