Absent from the Black Stars in 2026 because of an injury that kept him out of the World Cup, Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus is in the 26-man squad named by interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren ahead of the double header against Somalia.
Ghana’s interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man squad for the double header against Somalia on 12 and 16 November in 2027 AFCON qualifying, the Ghanaian federation (ghanafa.org) says. The Black Stars camp began in Accra on Sunday 8 November. The first match is set for Thursday 12 November at 15:00 GMT, the second for Monday 16 November at the same time.
Among the returning players is Mohammed Kudus. The Tottenham Hotspur forward has not worn the national shirt in 2026, an injury having kept him out of the World Cup. His return comes as Ghana have lost their first two qualifying matches and sit bottom of Group C.
Two defeats to start
The Black Stars’ record has quickly darkened. According to ghanasoccernet.com, Ghana lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouaké, before falling 4-2 to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Two defeats in a row leave the national team bottom of Group C before the double header with Somalia.
The first match will be played at the Essipong Sports Stadium, the same outlet reports.
Kudus, Ayew and Kyereh back
Besides Kudus, Björkegren welcomes back several players. Captain Jordan Ayew returns after a groin injury, Daniel Kofi Kyereh after four years away, as do Alidu Seidu (OGC Nice) and Ibrahim Osman (Brighton), ghanafa.org details.
According to ghanaweb.com, Mohammed Salisu and Thomas Partey are also expected to be present. The same outlet reports that goalkeepers Benjamin Asare and Lawrence Ati-Zigi are included in the squad.
Four players from the local league are also called up: Isaac Afful (FC Samartex), Musa Hamzata (Asante Kotoko), Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor (Medeama SC), according to ghanafa.org.
The Kudus file
Kudus has not played for the Black Stars in 2026, the injury having ruled him out of the World Cup. With Tottenham, he was held back in the match at Leeds, where Spurs’ run of three wins came to an end, FootAfrica reports.