Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has announced five new additions to the team's squad ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches. The newcomers include Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ebenezer Anang, Mohammed Fuseini, Jonas Adjetey, and Alidu Seidu. These players have been brought in due to a number of withdrawals and injury concerns. Queiroz made the announcement in Accra on Monday, as Ghana prepares to begin their Group C campaign.
The Portuguese coach confirmed that Thomas-Asante will join the team in the front line, while left-back Anang and Mohammed Fuseini will bolster the defensive line. Jonas Adjetey and Alidu Seidu have also been added to the squad after starting to play. Queiroz expressed his satisfaction with the new additions, stating that they will strengthen the team. The coach also mentioned that the technical team is still working to finalize two more additions, with another centre-back and centre-forward being considered.
Ghana has been forced to make several changes to their squad in the build-up to the qualifiers. Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus withdrew to continue his recovery, while Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei pulled out through injury. Midfielder Thomas Partey was also left out of the original squad due to a hamstring problem. These changes have presented challenges for Queiroz and his team, but they are working to ensure the squad is ready for the upcoming matches.
Ghana will open their qualifying campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September. The Black Stars will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September. Queiroz's side is looking to make a positive start in Group C and ultimately qualify for the 2027 AFCON. The team's preparations have been complicated by the player absences, but Queiroz is confident in the team's abilities.
In addition to the AFCON qualifiers, Ghana will complete their international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October. This match will provide an opportunity for Queiroz to test his team's skills against a strong opponent. The coach has set ambitious targets for the team, including reaching the AFCON final and ending Ghana's 44-year wait for the trophy.
The Black Stars have a challenging task ahead of them, but Queiroz is optimistic about their chances. He believes that Ghana has a strong squad and is capable of competing with top teams. The coach's experience and expertise will be crucial in guiding the team through the qualifying campaign. With the new additions to the squad, Queiroz is confident that Ghana can make a strong impression in the AFCON qualifiers.
As Ghana prepares to face Ivory Coast and Gambia, the team's fans are eagerly anticipating the matches. The Black Stars have a large following in Ghana and across Africa, and their performances have a significant impact on the country's football landscape. Queiroz and his team will be under pressure to deliver positive results and make Ghana proud.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz has announced five new additions to Ghana's Black Stars squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Ghana will face Ivory Coast and Gambia in their opening Group C matches.
- The team's preparations have been complicated by player absences, including Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey.
