Ghana's interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia. The squad includes seven players returning to the national team, such as captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, and Thomas Partey. Their inclusion is expected to boost the team's chances in the two Group C encounters.
Mohammed Kudus returns to the squad after missing Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign due to injury. Jordan Ayew is also back following his absence from last month's qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia due to a groin problem. Daniel Kofi Kyereh earns a long-awaited recall after nearly four years away from international football, having last featured for the Black Stars in December 2022.
The squad also includes several players from the domestic league who have impressed with their performances this season. FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful, Asante Kotoko midfielder Musa Hamzata, and Medeama SC pair Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor have all earned places in the squad. Other players named include Coventry City's Caleb Yirenkyi, Rahim Ibrahim of Slovan Bratislava, and Prince Adu Kwabena of Viktoria Plzen.
Ghana have already opened camp in Accra ahead of the two matches, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at the Sekondi Sports Stadium. The Black Stars will then travel for the return fixture on Monday, November 16. The team is seeking to revive their qualifying campaign after losing their opening two Group C matches.
Ghana head into the double-header under pressure, having suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Côte d'Ivoire and a 4-2 loss at home to The Gambia. These results leave the four-time African champions without a point at the bottom of the group. Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia currently lead the group with six points apiece.
The matches against Somalia present Ghana with an important opportunity to get their campaign back on track. With the top two teams in each qualifying group securing places at the 2027 AFCON, a win or draw could significantly improve Ghana's chances of qualification. The team's performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their fate in the competition.
The return of key players like Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, and Thomas Partey is expected to strengthen the team's lineup and provide a boost to their qualifying campaign. The team's domestic players have also been given opportunities to showcase their skills, which could lead to a more balanced and competitive squad.
Key points
- Ghana recall key players for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Somalia.
- The team aims to revive their qualifying campaign after losing their opening two Group C matches.
- A win or draw against Somalia could improve Ghana's chances of qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
