Otto Addo Reveals Black Stars Squad for WC Qualifiers

Otto Addo Announces 23-Man Black Stars Squad for Chad and Madagascar World Cup Qualifiers

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has officially picked a 23-man squad for Ghana’s important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar. The squad, captained by captain Jordan Ayew, comprises a mix of seasoned internationals and young home-based players.

Among the squad members are three prominent players from Ghana’s domestic league: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu from Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson of Nations FC. Addo’s dedication to incorporating local players into the national team lineup is demonstrated by these additions.

Thomas Partey, the deputy captain and midfield star for Arsenal, rejoins the team after missing several 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers due to injury. Partey, who has more than 50 caps since making his debut in June 2016, gives the midfield leadership and experience.

Notable Call-Ups

Kamal Deen Sulemana (Southampton FC): Returning to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury.
Jerry Afriyie (CD Lugo): Retains his spot following a stellar performance against Niger in November 2024.
Christopher Bonsu Baah (Genk): A versatile winger and attacking midfielder who has risen through the ranks, from Accra Shooting Stars to Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 before moving to Belgium’s Genk in 2023.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Black Stars will start their training camp in anticipation of their Friday, March 21, 2025, home game versus Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium. They will next go to Morocco to play Madagascar in a Group I match on Monday, March 24, 2025.

With nine points from four games, Ghana is tied with Comoros for second place in Group I. After defeating Madagascar 1-0 to begin their qualifying campaign, the Black Stars lost to Comoros but recovered to defeat Mali and the Central African Republic in June 2024.

Despite a strong squad selection, Ghana will be without twelve key players due to injuries:

Alidu Seidu (ACL Rehab)
Tariq Lamptey (Ankle Ligament Injury)
Brandon Thomas Asante (Muscle Tear)
Joseph Painstil (Quadriceps Injury)
Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru

With these key absences, Otto Addo will depend on his selected squad to step up and keep Ghana’s World Cup qualification hopes alive.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

USEFUL LINKS