Ghana Black Stars Squad Announced for Mali and Chad Matches
Ghana's Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. The team features a mix of experienced players and new talent as they aim to secure their spot in the World Cup.
Ghana's Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Chad has seen some notable omissions...
Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has revealed a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. The team is looking to solidify its top position in Group I, having accumulated 15 points from six matches with five wins and one loss. The squad features a mix of seasoned players, including Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams, alongside new talent like Derrick Arthur Köhn, a Union Berlin left-back making his debut.
New Inclusions:
Derrick Arthur Köhn: Union Berlin left-back with impressive performances in the German Bundesliga, earning his first call-up after playing 27 games and scoring two goals for Werder Bremen last season.
- Caleb Yirenkyi: A youngster who impressed at the Unity Cup in London and has been rewarded for his strong performances with FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
- Jamal Deen Sulemana: Winger who recently joined Serie A side Atalanta and has made a bright start to his Italian league career.
- Christopher Bonsu Baah and
- Joseph Anang: Also earn spots in the squad for the double-header matches.
Returning Players:
Elisha Owusu: France-based midfielder who has recovered from a long-term injury and returns to the squad.
Tariq Lamptey: Defender who is back in the squad after a previous absence.
Inaki Williams and other key players are part of the squad, which will begin training on September 1.
Team Updates
Kohn's transfer to Union Berlin seems to be confirmed, but details about his current team are conflicting. According to available data, there's a Derrick Kohn associated with Union Berlin, a defender born in 1999, who plays for the team. However, another player named Philipp Kohn, born in 1998, is a goalkeeper for AS Monaco. Without more specific information about Kohn's first name or role in the team, it's hard to verify the details of his transfer from Galatasaray and his performance at Werder Bremen.
🆕 A new face in our squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 🙌🏾
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) August 27, 2025
Welcome, Derrick Arthur Köhn! ⭐🇬🇭#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/FiPT6vNhEa
Squad Returns
Several players are returning to the squad after being away from the national team, including:
Midfielders:
- Tariq Lamptey
- Joseph Paintsil
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
Other Players:
- Abdul Salis Samed
New Additions
Caleb Yirenkyi and Christopher Bonsu Baah have retained their places in the squad following their impressive performances at the Unity Cup in London. Notably, 19-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi has earned his first competitive call-up as a defender, likely to feature at right back.
Ghana's Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Chad has seen some notable omissions. Players like Majeed Ashimeru, Razak Simpson, Ebenezer Annan, Lawrence Agyekum, Brandon Thomas Asante, and Kingsley Schindler, who have been regulars in the national team this year, didn't make the cut. Meanwhile, midfielder Kwasi Sibo, who plays for Real Oviedo, is on the radar of the Black Stars technical team and might get a call-up soon, according to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum.
Injury Update: Fatawu Issahaku
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, the talented winger, wasn't included in the squad due to his ongoing recovery from a serious knee injury. Asante Twum explained that the decision to exclude Issahaku was made in the best interest of both Ghana and his club, Leicester City. The upcoming match against Chad on an AstroTurf pitch in N'jamena also raised concerns about Issahaku's readiness to play on such a surface following his injury. The Black Stars medical team, in consultation with Leicester City's medical team, decided to prioritize caution and give Issahaku more time to recover.
“As for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Otto Addo and his team are pleased to see him back in action. However, given the circumstances surrounding his long layoff, they are cautious about rushing his return.
“The medical teams from Ghana and Leicester City have had extensive discussions about the player and have decided to give him time.
“One reason for this cautious approach is that the upcoming match's AstroTurf pitch in N’jamena may not be suitable for Issahaku's return following his recent ACL injury,” Twum added.
They'll travel to N'Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4, before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8. With 15 points from six matches, Ghana currently tops Group I, having won five matches and lost only one.
Current Group I Standings:
- Ghana: 15 points from 6 matches (5 wins, 1 loss)
- Comoros: 12 points (trails Ghana closely in second place)
- Madagascar: 10 points
The Black Stars' upcoming fixtures are pivotal in securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup. A strong performance against Chad and Mali would bring them closer to qualification. Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the team, alongside key players like Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo. The team's preparation will begin on September 1, with the squad assembling for training before the matches.
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