{
  "id": 8618231,
  "title": "Mohammed Kudus returns to Black Stars squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers as Thomas Partey sits out",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/mohammed-kudus-returns-to-black-stars-squad-for-2027-afcon-qualifiers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T05:07:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/sports/mohammed-kudus-returns-to-black-stars-squad-for-2027-afcon-qualifiers-as-thomas-partey-sits-out/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent Ghana Black Stars Head coach Carlos Queiroz has released a 24-man roster for the upcoming international fixtures, marking the official start of the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Fixture Schedule And Key Opposition The Black Stars face a demanding slate of matches during the […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}