2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Kwasi Sibo retains place in Black Stars squad despite move to Libya ahead of Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has retained midfielder Kwasi Sibo in his squad for the Black Stars' opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Sibo is among the 24 players selected for the fixtures against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, despite yet to make an appearance for his new club, Al-Swehly, following his summer move from Spanish side Real Oviedo.

The midfielder's transfer to the Libyan club attracted significant attention after he signed a reported two-year contract worth $10 million, sparking widespread debate among football fans.

However, Queiroz has continued to show confidence in the experienced midfielder by handing him a place in the squad for the crucial opening qualifiers.

Ghana face a demanding start to their qualifying campaign, travelling to Bouaké to take on Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September.

The Black Stars will then return to Accra to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September as Queiroz seeks to build momentum in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

After the two qualifiers, Ghana will round off the international window with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.

Sibo played a key role for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all four of the Black Stars' matches.

The midfielder accumulated 249 minutes during the tournament, including a start in Ghana's goalless draw with England. He also featured in the games against Panama, Croatia and Colombia as the Black Stars reached the knockout stages.