- Kudus, Ayew and Kyereh Return as Ghana Seek First AFCON Qualifying Points
Ghana have called up Mohammed Kudus, captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh for a 26-man squad tasked with reviving the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Somalia.
The squad, named by coach Kim Lars Björkegren, blends experienced internationals with Ghana Premier League players. But the selection comes with little margin for error: Ghana have lost both opening Group C matches, sit bottom without a point and now face the same opponent twice in four days.
The first match is on Thursday, November 12, with the return fixture on Monday, November 16, both at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi.
The double-header presents Ghana with an opportunity to change the group’s direction quickly. It also raises the pressure on Björkegren: six points would put the Black Stars back into contention, while dropped points would make qualification increasingly difficult.
The top two teams in each group qualify for the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, so the immediate task is clear: Ghana must start collecting points before the race moves beyond reach.
Ghana’s opening results have created that urgency. The team lost 2–0 away to Côte d’Ivoire before suffering a 4–2 home defeat to The Gambia.
Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia lead Group C with six points each, leaving Ghana at the bottom after two matches. The Somalia fixtures are therefore more than routine qualifiers; they are a test of whether the team can respond to a poor start and rebuild confidence under a coach still establishing his approach.
Kudus’ return is among the most prominent changes. The Tottenham Hotspur forward has not played for the Black Stars in 2026 after injury ruled him out of the World Cup. His return gives Ghana a player capable of carrying the ball, creating chances and troubling defences in one-on-one situations.
His presence could add invention to an attack that conceded four goals against The Gambia and now needs to convert pressure into a more reliable supply of scoring opportunities.
Ayew’s recall brings back the captain and a senior voice in the dressing room. He missed the previous qualifiers with a groin injury but has recovered. The forward’s value will be measured not only in goals but also in how he helps organise the attack and steady a team under pressure.
Ghana need leadership that translates into sharper decisions on the pitch, particularly if the first match proves difficult to break open.
The squad also includes Kyereh, who returns to the national setup after almost four years away. The VfL Osnabrück midfielder has been absent from international football since December 2022 because of injury.
His recall offers another midfield option, though the management of his fitness and match readiness will be important after such a long interruption. Alidu Seidu is also back in the group, adding experience in defence.
Partey features in a midfield group that also includes Caleb Yirenkyi, Etse Dogli, Rahim Ibrahim, Augustine Boakye, Ibrahim Sulemana and Kyereh. The selection combines players with different levels of international experience and club exposure.
The challenge for the coach will be to make the midfield work as a unit: Ghana need to protect the defence while moving the ball quickly enough to bring Kudus, Ayew and the other forwards into dangerous positions.
The squad has also made space for players performing in the domestic league. Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata and Medeama pair Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor have earned call-ups, while FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful is included. Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retains his place.
Their selection gives the squad a local dimension and rewards performances in the Ghana Premier League, but the greater test is whether those players can adapt quickly to the demands of international football.
The inclusion of home-based players is also a useful signal about how the national team can widen its recruitment. Domestic players need a visible route into the Black Stars, and strong league performances should be considered alongside club reputation and overseas experience.
At the same time, call-ups must be followed by genuine opportunities to train, compete and earn places. Selection can encourage local development, but only consistent standards will make it meaningful.
Ghana’s preparations have already begun, with the team opening camp in Accra on November 8. The short interval before the first match leaves limited time for the coach to integrate returning players, assess fitness and establish a clear plan.
The second fixture, only four days later, makes squad depth and recovery just as important as the first eleven.
The Black Stars will need to balance urgency with discipline. A need to win can push a side into rushed attacks or defensive risks, especially if an early goal does not arrive. The first match will matter not only for the points but also for setting the tone for the return encounter.
A composed performance, better defensive organisation and more efficient finishing would give Ghana a foundation to build on across both games.
The squad announcement offers reasons for hope: important players are returning, the captain is available and domestic performers have been recognised. But names alone cannot repair the damage of two defeats.
Ghana’s response will depend on how quickly the team develops cohesion and turns its individual quality into a stronger collective performance. With qualification already under pressure, the Somalia double-header gives the Black Stars a narrow but valuable chance to reset their campaign.
