The Ghana Paralympic Committee has announced a 20-player provisional squad for Ghana's preparations towards the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup. Scheduled for 13–22 November 2026 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, the tournament will feature the Black Challenge, Ghana's national amputee football team. The team, comprising three goalkeepers and 17 outfield players, has been drawn from clubs and programmes in Ghana and Türkiye.
Over the past five years, the Black Challenge have achieved significant success, bringing distinction to Ghana. They won the African amputee football title in Tanzania in 2021 after defeating Liberia 3–2. The team claimed gold at the inaugural African Para Games in Accra in 2023 with a 2–1 victory over Morocco. They retained the African title in Cairo in 2024, again beating Morocco 2–1, which secured Ghana's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Challenge squad for the 2026 World Cup includes goalkeepers Razak Seidu from Asanteman AFC, Atsu Abor from Global AFC, and Richmond Fosu from Talent Hour Discovery. Outfield players include Isaac Kwabena Eshun from Asanteman AFC, Yussif Yahaya from Sahinbey in Türkiye, and Timothy Hayford from Gye Nyame AFC. Other notable players are Richard Arthur Opentil, Prince Nyarko, Richard Ekwam, and Samson Larbi Sarfo, who will bring their skills and experience to the team.
The squad also features players from various clubs and programmes, including Emmanuel Allotey from Sisli Yeditepe in Türkiye, Emmanuel Osei Kwadwo from Gye Nyame AFC, and Mohammed Mubarik from Sahinbey. Additionally, Hamza Mohammed from Sahinbey, Issah Jabel from Asanteman AFC, and Amidu Rafiu from Asanteman AFC will be part of the team. The inclusion of local players Joseph Baidoo and Collins Gyamfi, with Joseph Amoh awaiting club confirmation, adds depth to the squad.
The Ghana Paralympic Committee has called on Ghanaians, corporate partners, and the sporting community to rally behind the Black Challenge as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The team's achievements affirm that athletes with disabilities are at the heart of Ghana's sporting ambitions. With determination and national pride, the Black Challenge looks forward to making a strong impression in Mexico.
The Black Challenge's success has been remarkable, with the team consistently demonstrating their skills and teamwork. Their victories in Africa have earned them recognition and respect, and they will aim to build on this momentum in the World Cup. As the team prepares for the tournament, they will focus on fine-tuning their strategy and building their strength to compete against the best teams in the world.
As the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup approaches, the Black Challenge will look to make a lasting impact. With a talented squad and a strong team spirit, they will strive to achieve their goals and make Ghana proud. The team's journey to the World Cup is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and overcome challenges.
Key points
- The Black Challenge will compete in the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, from 13–22 November 2026.
- The team has achieved significant success in recent years, winning the African amputee football title in 2021, 2024, and gold at the inaugural African Para Games in 2023.
- The 20-player provisional squad comprises three goalkeepers and 17 outfield players drawn from clubs and programmes in Ghana and Türkiye.
