Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man Ghana squad for the country’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia, blending established internationals with fresh domestic talent as the Black Stars look to maintain momentum in the group stages.
The Swedish coach’s selection features several high-profile returns that will excite Ghanaian supporters. Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, and Alidu Seidu headline a list of familiar faces coming back into the fold, while four standout performers from the Ghana Premier League have earned their first call-ups of the current campaign.
Jordan Ayew’s return is particularly significant. The experienced forward missed last month’s qualifying fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia after sustaining a groin injury. He has since completed his recovery and is fully available for the two encounters against Somalia.
As captain and one of the side’s most consistent performers over the past decade, Ayew’s leadership and goal threat will be central to Björkegren’s plans. His presence is expected to stabilise the attacking unit and provide a focal point for younger teammates still finding their feet at the international level.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus also makes a welcome comeback after a lengthy absence. The dynamic midfielder has not featured for Ghana throughout 2026, having been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States by injury. Kudus’s ability to drive forward from midfield, create chances, and score spectacular goals has long made him one of the Black Stars’ most potent weapons.
His recall signals both his return to fitness and Björkegren’s desire to restore creativity and intensity in the middle of the park. Supporters will be eager to see whether the Spurs man can quickly recapture the form that once made him a cornerstone of the national team.
Another notable inclusion is German-based midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh, who returns to the squad for the first time in four years. His last appearance came before a serious injury in December 2022 that forced him out of international football for an extended period. Kyereh’s technical quality, vision and work rate offer Björkegren another option in central areas. His reintegration will be closely watched, as the coaching staff assess how effectively he can contribute after such a long absence from the Black Stars setup.
Defender Alidu Seidu completes the list of high-profile returnees. The reliable full-back or centre-back adds defensive solidity and experience, giving the coaching staff greater flexibility in reshaping the back line for the Somalia fixtures.
While the return of established stars dominates the headlines, Björkegren has also rewarded domestic excellence. Four players from the ongoing Ghana Premier League have been handed places in the 26-man party following strong club form. FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful has earned recognition for his consistent performances at full-back. Asante Kotoko’s Musa Hamzata has likewise impressed, securing a call-up on the back of his contributions for the Porcupine Warriors.
Medeama SC are represented by two players: Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor. Their selection underlines the coach’s willingness to monitor the local league closely and offer opportunities to those who perform week in, week out in Ghana.
The inclusion of these home-based players is more than a token gesture. It reflects a broader philosophy of balancing overseas experience with domestic development, ensuring the national team remains connected to the country’s football ecosystem. For the selected quartet, the call-ups represent a major career milestone and a chance to impress on the international stage against Somalia.
Preparations are already under way. The Black Stars opened camp in Accra on Sunday, 8 November, giving the coaching staff several days to integrate the returning players and assess combinations before the first match.
Training sessions will focus on tactical cohesion, fitness, and the specific challenges posed by Somalia, a side expected to defend resolutely and look for counter-attacking opportunities.
Ghana will host the first leg at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, 12 November. The choice of venue offers the Black Stars a passionate home atmosphere and a familiar environment in which to impose their style of play. The return fixture is scheduled for Monday, 16 November 2026, completing a rapid double-header that leaves little time to recover between matches.
For Björkegren, these fixtures represent an important test of squad depth and chemistry. With key attackers and midfielders back available, expectations will be high that Ghana can secure maximum points and strengthen their position in the 2027 AFCON qualifying race. The blend of experience and emerging domestic talent also provides a platform to evaluate options ahead of future campaigns.
As the players settle into camp, attention will turn to how quickly the returning stars can gel with the rest of the group. Ayew’s leadership, Kudus’s dynamism, Kyereh’s technical quality, and Seidu’s defensive reliability, combined with the hunger of the Premier League contingent, give the Black Stars a balanced and competitive look on paper.
Ghanaian football fans will be hoping the squad can translate that balance into clinical performances on the pitch. With the first match just days away, the focus now shifts fully to preparation, recovery, and the pursuit of two positive results against Somalia that would keep the Black Stars firmly on course for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
