The Black Stars are entering a new era under Carlos Queiroz, and the Portuguese coach has wasted little time making changes. His 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers brings back familiar faces, introduces fresh options and leaves out some key names.
The biggest absence is vice-captain Thomas Partey. The Al-Shabab midfielder is dealing with medical concerns and is expected to undergo further tests before his condition is fully assessed.
Partey’s absence is another setback in what has been a difficult period for the experienced midfielder. He also missed Ghana’s opening 2026 World Cup game against Panama after failing to secure a Canadian visa amid ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Queiroz will now have to reshape his midfield without one of Ghana’s most experienced players. Elisha Owusu is also missing, adding another layer of change to the coach’s options.
There is, however, a major boost in attack. Mohammed Kudus returns to the squad after recovering from the injury that kept him out for seven months and ruled him out of the World Cup.
Kudus’ return gives Ghana a familiar creative spark. His ability to carry the ball, attack defenders and create chances could be important as the Black Stars face two difficult qualifiers.
Hearts of Oak captain Benjamin Asare remains the only Ghana Premier League player in the squad. The goalkeeper keeps his place alongside Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang after being voted the best domestic-based Black Stars player for the 2025/26 season.
There are also opportunities for new faces. Jan Gyamerah of SV Elversberg and Ronald Donkor of New York Red Bulls have earned call-ups, while Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana and Ibrahim Osman return to the fold.
Jonas Adjetey and Brandon Thomas-Asante are among the notable omissions. Thomas-Asante’s absence is likely to draw attention after he featured at the World Cup and wore Ghana’s number 10 shirt.
The new-look Black Stars begin their AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire on September 24. The Gambia visit the Accra Sports Stadium five days later, before Ghana travel to Morocco for a friendly on October 4.
For Queiroz, the fixtures offer an early chance to shape his renewed Ghana project. For the players, the message is clear: the competition for places has begun.
