Ghana's Black Stars Coach Kim Lars Björkegren Names 26-Man Squad for Somalia Qualifiers

Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has announced a 26-player squad for the Black Stars' upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Somalia. The squad features a mix of established international players and emerging talents from the domestic league. Captain Jordan Ayew, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus, and Daniel Kofi Kyereh are among the notable inclusions. Ayew returns to the squad after missing the previous qualifiers due to a groin injury.

Mohammed Kudus also makes his return after an injury-disrupted period that prevented him from featuring in Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Another significant 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 due to persistent injury problems. His return adds depth and experience to the team.

Björkegren has demonstrated his willingness to recognize outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League by 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. This blend of experience and youth is expected to bolster the team's chances in the upcoming matches.

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 host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi on Thursday, November 12, before traveling for the return meeting on Monday, November 16. The team faces considerable pressure to deliver victories in both matches to revive their faltering qualification campaign.

Ghana's qualification campaign got off to a disappointing start with consecutive defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two matches. As a result, the Black Stars have collected no points from their opening two fixtures. A strong response against Somalia is crucial to keeping their qualification hopes alive. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

The squad also includes Alidu Seidu, who has returned to the team. The team's preparations are focused on achieving a positive outcome against Somalia. The technical team is working to ensure that the players are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The team's strategy and tactics will be crucial in determining the outcome of the matches.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are a significant milestone for Ghana's football team. A successful campaign would not only secure qualification for the continental championship but also provide a much-needed boost to the team's morale and confidence. The team's performance will be a closely watched indicator of their progress and potential for future success.

Key points

• Coach Kim Lars Björkegren names a 26-man squad for Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.