Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has unveiled his 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey making a much-anticipated return.
Captained by Jordan Ayew, the team includes three home-based players: Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu, and Nations FC standout Razak Simpson.
🚨Our Men for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers! 👊🏾📝
🇬🇭 We face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, then take on Madagascar in Morocco on March 24.
The team will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, and train for four days before hosting Chad at the Accra Sports… pic.twitter.com/VyZitzGuYS
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) March 14, 2025
Partey, who serves as deputy captain, rejoins the squad after missing four of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2024 due to injury.
With over 50 caps since his debut in June 2016, the 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience to bolster the midfield as Ghana aims to secure crucial points in Group I.
The squad also features notable inclusions like Southampton FC’s Kamal Deen Sulemana, who has recovered from a prolonged injury, and CD Lugo’s Jerry Afriyie, who retains his place after an impressive performance against Niger in November 2024.
Another exciting addition is Belgium-based Christopher Bonsu Baah of KRC Genk.
The versatile left-footed right-winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, began his career with Accra Shooting Stars before moving to Norway’s Sarpsborg 08 and later joining Genk in July 2023.
The Black Stars will convene on Monday, March 17, 2025, for a four-day training camp ahead of their home clash against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.
They will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24, 2025, in their second Group I fixture of the international window.
Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, level with leaders Comoros. Their campaign kicked off with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar, followed by a setback against Comoros.
However, consecutive wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in June 2024 revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
