Black Stars head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia, handing opportunities to new home-based players while recalling several key members of the national team.
The latest squad announcement features three new local-based players: Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata and Medeama SC duo Emmanuel Annor and Etse Dogli.
Hamzata earned his maiden opportunity following impressive performances for Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League. Medeama’s Emmanuel Annor, a forward, and Etse Dogli, a midfielder, have also been rewarded for their consistent performances for the Tarkwa-based club.
The selections form part of Björkegren’s efforts to strengthen the Black Stars as Ghana seek to revive their qualification campaign after suffering defeats in their opening matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Kofi Kyereh Return to Black Stars
Several experienced players have been recalled to the Ghana national team ahead of the crucial AFCON qualifying fixtures.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew, Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus, midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh and defender Alidu Seidu are among the notable returnees.
Jordan Ayew missed Ghana’s previous qualifying matches after recovering from a groin injury.
Mohammed Kudus also returns after missing the national team’s matches in 2026 due to an injury that kept him out of FIFA World Cup action.
Another significant inclusion is German-based midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh, who earns a return to the Black Stars for the first time in four years.
Kyereh has been absent from international football since December 2022 after suffering an injury that interrupted his national team career.
Ghana Premier League Players Earn Black Stars Recognition
Björkegren has also recognised the performances of players competing in the domestic league, with FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful and Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata featuring among the selected home-based talents.
The inclusion of local players highlights the technical team’s interest in identifying outstanding performers in the Ghana Premier League and giving them opportunities to represent the country at the international level.
The new selections are expected to strengthen competition within the squad as Ghana prepare for two important encounters against Somalia.
Black Stars Open Camp Ahead of Somalia AFCON Qualifiers
The Black Stars opened camp in Accra on Sunday, November 8, 2026, to begin preparations for the two matches against Somalia.
Ghana will host Somalia in the first encounter at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm GMT.
The two countries will meet again in the return fixture on Monday, November 16, 2026, with kick-off also scheduled for 3:00 pm GMT.
Both matches are crucial for Ghana as the Black Stars seek to secure maximum points and improve their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
After losing their opening two qualifying games against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, Ghana will be under pressure to deliver positive results against Somalia.
The return of experienced players, combined with the introduction of promising Ghana Premier League talents, is expected to give the technical team additional options as the Black Stars pursue qualification for the continental football tournament.
Source: newsthemegh.com