Otto Addo unveils 23-Man squad for Ghana’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has named a 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

Captain Jordan Ayew will lead the squad, which includes three home-based players: Benjamin Asare from Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu from Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson from Nations FC.

Thomas Partey returns to the team after missing four of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year due to injury. The Arsenal midfielder, who debuted for the national team in June 2016, has accumulated over 50 appearances, adding leadership and experience to the squad.

Kamal Deen Sulemana of Southampton FC and Jerry Afriyie of CD Lugo have also been included. Sulemana has recovered from a long-term injury, while Afriyie retains his place following an impressive showing against Niger in November 2024.

Christopher Bonsu Baah, a versatile Genk winger who can also play as an attacking midfielder, is another notable selection. Bonsu Baah began his career with Accra Shooting Stars before moving to Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 and later joining Genk in July 2023.

The Black Stars will commence a four-day training camp on Monday, March 17, 2025, before facing Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. Their next fixture will be against Madagascar in Morocco on Monday, March 24.

Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, tied with Comoros after securing three wins and one loss. The team started their qualification campaign with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar but stumbled against Comoros before recovering with back-to-back wins over Mali and the Central African Republic in June 2024.

Injury concerns loom over the squad, with 12 key players ruled out, including Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Painstil.

Among the most significant injuries, Alidu Seidu is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Tariq Lamptey is sidelined with an ankle ligament issue, and Brandon Thomas Asante is dealing with a muscle tear. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is also rehabilitating from an ACL injury, while Majeed Ashimeru continues his recovery process.

With key absences, Otto Addo will rely on his selected squad to step up as Ghana continues its pursuit of a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Check out the new Black Stars squad below.