2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Kudus, Djiku return will lift Black Stars - Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu

Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu believes the return of Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku will provide a major boost for the Black Stars as they prepare for the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The pair have been recalled to Ghana's squad for this month's qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury.

Agyemang-Badu said Kudus' return is particularly important given the absence of experienced midfielder Thomas Partey.

"I think we need him at this particular time. Especially in this kind of game, when you are missing somebody like Partey, you need this kind of character to lead the team," he said.

The former Udinese midfielder also expressed confidence that Kudus is ready to contribute despite only recently returning from injury.

"For the club to allow him to come means that he's strong and gradually coming up. I don't know the standard level of his fitness, but still, I think we need him."

Agyemang-Badu also welcomed the return of Djiku, describing the defender's experience and leadership as vital assets for the national team.

"Djiku, as usual, everybody knows him. Unfortunately, before the World Cup, he got injured, but he came back and he was playing. We need the maturity at the back of our defence as well. So, it's good for the team that both are here."

Ghana begin their AFCON qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

The Black Stars will then face Morocco in an international friendly on 4 October as they continue preparations for the rest of the qualifying series.