Jordan Ayew, Kudus return as Kim Lars names Ghana squad for Somalia double-header

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren unveiled a 26-man squad for Ghana's important double header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The roster consists of seasoned internationals, players returning from injury, and a few new faces from the Ghana Premier League. Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, and Alidu Seidu are among the familiar faces making the return.

Ayew, who had been sidelined due to a groin injury, is now fit to play again. Kudus, who had missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injury, also rejoins the team. Kyereh, who had been absent from the national team since December 2022 due to a serious knee injury, earns his first Black Stars invitation in four years. The squad also includes several players rewarded for their performances in the Ghana Premier League, namely FC Samartex defender Isaac Afful, Asante Kotoko's Musa Hamzata, and Medeama SC duo Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor.

The inclusion of these domestically-based players provides them with an opportunity to solidify their positions in the senior national team as Ghana endeavors to revive its qualifying campaign. Other notable players in the squad include Thomas Partey, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Gideon Mensah. The Black Stars began their training camp in Accra on November 8 to gear up for the two matches against Somalia.

The first fixture is scheduled to take place at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on November 12, followed by the return fixture on November 16. Both matches are set to commence at 15:00 GMT. With the four-time African champions facing pressure after losing their first two Group C matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, the two encounters against Somalia are essential for Ghana's qualification aspirations for the 2027 tournament.

Björkegren hopes that the return of key players and the addition of fresh talent from the domestic league will inject the necessary spark to help Ghana's campaign regain its momentum.