Ghana’s Coach Otto Addo Unveils Squad for Key World Cup Qualifiers

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo has announced a 23-player squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

Following their failure to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), these matches are crucial for the Black Stars as they strive to qualify for next year’s tournament taking place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The squad features newly appointed captain Jordan Ayew and vice-captain Thomas Partey, who is making his return to the national team after missing four AFCON qualifiers due to an injury.

Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is also back in the mix after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff.

Jerry Afriyie from CD Lugo maintains his place in the squad following a strong performance against Niger last November, while Christopher Bonsu Baah, a promising talent from Genk in Belgium, has received his first call-up.

The squad also includes three home-based players: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson of Nations FC.

However, Ghana will miss several vital players due to injuries. Key absentees include Alidu Seidu (in ACL rehabilitation), Tariq Lamptey (ankle ligament issue), Abdul Mumin (knee injury), Joseph Paintsil (quadriceps strain), and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (in ACL rehabilitation).

Currently, Ghana is positioned second in Group I, having accumulated nine points from four matches. They are level on points with group leaders Comoros but are behind on goal difference.

The Black Stars kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Madagascar, suffered a setback against Comoros, but have since rejuvenated their qualification hopes with back-to-back wins against Mali and the Central African Republic.

They will face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before heading to Morocco to take on Madagascar on Monday, March 24.

Preparation for these important fixtures will commence on Monday, March 17, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana’s World Cup Qualifying Squad

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Wollacott (Crawley Town)

Defenders: Kingsley Schindler (Samsunspor), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (FC Basel), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC), Ebenezer Annan (Red Star Belgrade)

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyonnais)

Forwards: Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton), Jerry Afriyie (CD Lugo), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Inaki Williams (Athletic Club), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Genk)