by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, Ghana’s squad has been affected by injuries, leading to the exclusion of eight players.
Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams, Majeed Ashimeru from Anderlecht, and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh are among the casualties due to their respective injuries.
Additionally, Iddrisu Baba, Daniel Amartey, Joseph Paintsil, Nathaniel Adjei, and Dennis Odoi have been sidelined from the squad due to injury concerns, with some undergoing surgery and others beginning rehabilitation.
In response, coach Otto Addo has called up replacements, including Brandon Thomas-Asante and Cagliari’s Ibrahim Sulemana, to fill the void left by the injured players.
Preparations for the June fixtures will commence on May 30, 2024, at the Legon Sports Stadium. Ghana will face Mali in Bamako on June 7 before hosting the Central African Republic in Kumasi three days later.
The four-time African champions are eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing campaign in the 2022 World Cup and aim for a return to the global stage.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has revealed the 26-man squad set to compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in June.
The Black Stars kick off their campaign with an away match against Mali on June 6, followed by a home fixture against CAR in Kumasi on June 10.
Among the notable inclusions are debutants Ibrahim Sulemana from Cagliari and Brandon Thomas-Asante from West Bromwich Albion. Asante Kotoko’s Frederick Asare is the sole representative from the domestic league.
Returning to the squad are Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who has recovered from injury, and regulars like Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and others. The lineup also features Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and other key players.
However, injuries have sidelined seven players, including Baba Iddrisu and Joseph Paintsil. Long-term injuries have also affected Kofi Kyere and Joseph Aidoo.
The selected squad will convene for training at the University of Ghana Stadium before departing for Bamako on June 4, 2024. Otto Addo’s side aims to bounce back after a mixed start to their qualifying campaign, currently sitting fourth in Group I with three points.
The match against Mali will take place at Stade 26 Mars, followed by the clash against CAR at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In the roster unveiled by Coach Otto Addo ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Mali and the Central African Republic, Asante Kotoko’s goalkeeper Frederick Asare stands out as the only home-based player chosen. This decision highlights Asare’s stellar performances in the Ghana Premier League, cementing his position as a vital asset for the national team.
While the absence of more locally-based talents is notable, Asare’s selection signals the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities.
However, the squad announcement also brings attention to some surprising exclusions, such as captain Andre Ayew and left-back Baba Rahman. Ayew’s omission, especially considering his strong form with Le Havre in the French Ligue 1, has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike.
Preparations for the upcoming qualifiers will kick off with a training camp at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon. The Black Stars are eager to bounce back from their mixed start to the campaign, which saw them secure a 1-0 win over Madagascar but suffer a similar defeat to Comoros.
The upcoming fixtures against Mali and the Central African Republic will take place at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium respectively. Ghana aims to reclaim their winning momentum after encountering challenges earlier in the year.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
It seems Baba Rahman’s absence from the Ghanaian national team is prolonging, and Coach Otto Addo has shed light on the situation. Despite Rahman’s impressive performances for PAOK, he’s indicated his reluctance to rejoin the Black Stars. This decision follows his previous withdrawal before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, citing a need to focus on club commitments.
Addo expressed understanding of Rahman’s stance, particularly citing personal reasons, likely referring to an incident in Kumasi that had an impact on Rahman and his family. Despite Addo’s efforts to persuade him, Rahman remains steadfast in his decision.
This poses a challenge for Ghana’s defensive lineup, especially with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic approaching. The team is gearing up for these matches, with training sessions set to commence at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.
Ghana’s recent campaign in the World Cup qualifiers has seen mixed results, with a win against Madagascar followed by a defeat to Comoros. The upcoming matches hold significant importance for the Black Stars as they aim to bounce back and secure positive results.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Arsenal star Thomas Partey has been appointed as the captain for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Mali and the Central African Republic, marking a significant return for the midfielder after overcoming various injury setbacks.
Partey’s absence from the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast contributed to Ghana’s early elimination in the group stage. Now, with his inclusion in Otto Addo’s squad and the captain’s armband bestowed upon him, Partey aims to lead the Black Stars to victory.
His leadership role comes in the absence of Andre Ayew and Richard Ofori, both omitted from the 26-man squad for this crucial assignment.
Preparations will commence at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra, where the Black Stars will undergo training sessions ahead of their matches.
On June 6, they will face Mali at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako before returning home to host the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on June 10.
With a mixed start to the qualifiers last year, Ghana is determined to secure maximum points in both games, having won one match against Madagascar and suffered a narrow defeat to Comoros.
Currently positioned 4th in Group I, the Black Stars see these upcoming games as an opportunity to climb the ranks and strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign.
3.5
