Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo has made significant changes to the national team ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Addo has included first-time senior call-ups for midfielders Ibrahim Sulemana and Brandon Thomas-Asante, while veteran forward Andre Ayew has been omitted from the 26-man squad.
Sulemana, 21, from Cagliari and 25-year-old West Brom striker Thomas-Asante have earned their places in the squad due to their impressive performances at club level. Thomas-Asante has particularly shone in the English Championship, scoring 11 goals this season.
In a boost for the team, influential Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad after missing the international window in March. However, 34-year-old Andre Ayew, despite recently scoring for Le Havre, has been left out as Addo looks to the future.
Addo, now permanently in charge after a successful interim spell, is clearly putting his stamp on the team. His overhaul includes a first call-up for Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare, the only home-based player in the squad.
Ghana currently sits third in Group I after a win against Madagascar and a defeat to the Comoros in their first two qualifiers. The Black Stars face a crucial match in Bamako against Mali on June 6, followed by a home game against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10. Only the group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup.
Despite a disappointing showing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Ghana remains a favorite to top the group and secure a place at their fifth World Cup finals.
