Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has unveiled a 26-player squad for the Black Stars’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounters against Somalia, with captain Jordan Ayew, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Daniel Kofi Kyereh headlining a series of significant returns.
The selection combines established international figures with emerging talents from the domestic league as Ghana seek to revive their faltering qualification campaign following consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two matches.
Ayew has been recalled after missing the previous round of qualifiers because of a groin injury. Kudus also makes his return after an injury-disrupted period that prevented him from featuring in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Another notable inclusion is Kyereh, who has earned his first national team invitation in four years. The Germany-based midfielder has been absent from the Black Stars since December 2022 after persistent injury problems interrupted his international career.
Björkegren has also demonstrated his willingness to recognise outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League, handing opportunities to several players who have impressed at club level.
FC Samartex defender Isaac Afful, Asante Kotoko’s Musa Hamzata and Medeama SC teammates Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor have all secured places in the 26-man contingent for the upcoming assignments.
The Black Stars commenced their preparations in Accra on Sunday, November 8, as the technical team began assembling the players ahead of the two decisive encounters.
Ghana will welcome Somalia to the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return meeting on Monday, November 16.
Having collected no points from their opening two fixtures, the Black Stars face considerable pressure to deliver victories in both encounters. Anything short of a strong response would further complicate Ghana’s prospects of securing qualification for the 2027 continental championship.
Editorial accuracy note: The Ghana Football Association and Ghana News Agency identify the venue for the opening fixture as the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi, rather than simply Sekondi Sports Stadium. They also confirm that Alidu Seidu has returned to the squad.
