Mohammed Kudus returns to Black Stars squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers as Thomas Partey sits out

Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, has announced a 24-man roster for the upcoming qualification matches ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Carlos Queiroz has opted for a squad that will undergo rigorous testing in their fixture schedule against Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Morocco. The return of midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who had been absent since October, marks a notable inclusion in the team.

Kudus' comeback comes after a period away from international duty. Other players such as Jan Gyamerah, Nathaniel Adjei, Alexander Djiku, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are also returning following their absence from the recent World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor is making his debut call-up, rewarded for his impressive performances in Major League Soccer.

Notably, Thomas Partey, an experienced midfielder, is absent from the roster due to his recent recovery from injury sustained while playing for Al Shabab. Other prominent players like Brandon-Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumim, Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, and Elisha Owusu are also notably absent. This international break is seen as a crucial test for Ghanaian football, with high expectations for restoring national pride following their absence from the previous continental tournament in Morocco.