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2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Mohammed Kudus returns as Carlos Queiroz names Ghana squad for Ivory Coast and Gambia clashes

  Fri, 18 Sep 2026
Cup of Nations 2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Mohammed Kudus returns as Carlos Queiroz names Ghana squad for Ivory Coast and Gambia clashes
FRI, 18 SEP 2026

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a 24-man squad for next month's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, with Mohammed Kudus returning from injury and two players receiving their first Black Stars call-ups.

The squad largely consists of players who featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, where Ghana reached the round of 16 before exiting the tournament.

Among the notable inclusions are SV Elversberg defender Jan Gyamerah and New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor, who have both earned maiden invitations following impressive performances for their clubs.

Kudus also returns to the national team after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder missed the World Cup after suffering an injury that ruled him out for seven months, but has now recovered and is back in contention for the Black Stars.

In goal, Hearts of Oak shot-stopper Benjamin Asare retains his place in the squad alongside regulars Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang.

Defender Nathaniel Adjei has also been recalled after nearly a year away from the national team. The Lorient centre-back has impressed in France's Ligue 1 this season, earning a return to the Black Stars set-up.

Queiroz has further strengthened his options with the return of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Ibrahim Osman and Sassuolo midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana, both of whom are back in the squad after previous absences.

The Portuguese coach will be aiming to make a strong start to Ghana's AFCON qualifying campaign as the four-time African champions seek a return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Ghana begin their Group C campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium five days later. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the Atlas Lions on 4 October.

Full squad:

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Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah
Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

Sports Journalist and WriterPage: samuel-ekow-amoasi-appiah

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