By Kwame Bediako
Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man Black Stars squad for Ghana’s decisive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia. The squad blends experienced internationals with in-form Ghana Premier League players as Ghana seeks to revive its qualification campaign.
Returning stars
Captain Jordan Ayew returns after missing last month’s qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia because of a groin injury. Mohammed Kudus is also back for the first time in 2026, having been sidelined by the injury that ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
German-based midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has earned a recall for the first time in four years, returning after an injury lay-off that had kept him out of international football since December 2022. Defender Alidu Seidu has also been recalled.
Local-league call-ups
Björkegren has rewarded strong domestic form with call-ups for Isaac Afful of FC Samartex, Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko, and Medeama SC pair Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor. Dogli’s inclusion is particularly notable as a maiden senior national-team invitation.
Their selection gives the squad a balance between established overseas-based talent and home-based players competing regularly in the Ghana Premier League. It also responds to calls for the interim technical team to give local players an opportunity in the qualifiers.
Fixtures and stakes
Ghana will host Somalia at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before playing the return fixture at the same venue on Monday, November 16, 2026. Both matches are part of Matchdays 3 and 4 of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
