Otto Addo Names 23-Man Squad for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Madagascar
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced a 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey making a return.
Partey, Ghana’s deputy captain, is back in the squad after missing four of the team’s 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to injury. With over 50 caps since his debut in 2016, the 31-year-old’s experience will be vital as the Black Stars aim to solidify their position in Group I.
Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew will captain the squad, which features three home-based players: Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu, and Nations FC defender Razak Simpson.
Among the notable call-ups is Southampton winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, who returns after recovering from a long-term injury. CD Lugo’s Jerry Afriyie also retains his place following an impressive performance against Niger in November 2024. Additionally, KRC Genk’s Christopher Bonsu Baah, a highly-rated left-footed attacker, is included in the squad. Baah began his career at Accra Shooting Stars before rising through the ranks in Europe, playing for Norway’s Sarpsborg 08 before joining Genk in July 2023.
The Black Stars will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, for a four-day training camp before hosting Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. They will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24, in their second Group I fixture.
Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, level with leaders Comoros. Their qualification campaign began with a 1-0 win over Madagascar, followed by a defeat to Comoros. However, back-to-back victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in June 2024 revived their hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Good luck Black stars
