Ghana midfielder Rahim Ibrahim has earned his first senior Black Stars call-up for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 25-year-old Slovan Bratislava midfielder was invited to join Carlos Queiroz’s squad. Ibrahim has been rewarded for his impressive form in Slovakia and performances on the European stage, following a breakthrough UEFA Champions League campaign.
Ibrahim made his league-phase debut in the Champions League earlier this month against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. He started the encounter and played 59 minutes as Slovan suffered a 6-1 defeat. His involvement in the Champions League was not limited to the league phase, featuring in all six of Slovan Bratislava’s qualifying matches.
Ibrahim's performances have earned him recognition at international level, with Queiroz handing him an opportunity to make his senior Black Stars debut. The call-up represents another significant milestone in a career that began at Accra Lions. Ibrahim moved to Slovakia in 2020 after joining AS Trenčín and continued his development before making the switch to Slovan Bratislava in 2025.
Since joining Slovan, Ibrahim has established himself as an important member of the squad and has progressed from Ghanaian domestic football to European club football. His invitation is the latest change to Queiroz’s squad ahead of Ghana’s crucial AFCON qualifiers. Other changes include Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, and Nathaniel Adjei being called up or withdrawn due to injuries.
Ibrahim will now join the Black Stars as Ghana prepare to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The Black Stars travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 and host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. Ghana will then face Morocco in an international friendly on October 4.
For Ibrahim, the latest development represents a remarkable rise from Accra Lions to European football and the UEFA Champions League, and now to his first senior invitation from the Ghana national team. He will hope to make the most of the opportunity and establish himself as another option in Queiroz’s midfield.
The Black Stars are looking to make a strong impression in their AFCON qualifying campaign, with coach Carlos Queiroz likely to make several changes to the squad. Ibrahim's call-up is a significant boost to the team's midfield options, and he will be looking to make a positive impact in his first senior international appearances.
Key points
- Rahim Ibrahim earns first senior Black Stars call-up for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Ibrahim's call-up follows his impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League.
- The Black Stars face Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Morocco in upcoming international fixtures.
