Björkgren announces Black Stars squad for Somalia AFCON qualifiers
Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkgren has officially named a 26-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming double-header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This announcement comes as the team prepares to strengthen its position in the qualification race, with matches scheduled for November 12 and 16, 2026.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals, promising young players, and locally based talents. Leading the midfield is Al Shabab's Thomas Partey, who is expected to play a pivotal role in controlling the game's tempo. He will be joined by Coventry City’s Caleb Yirenkyi, Medeama SC’s Etse Dogli, Rahim Ibrahim, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Augustine Boakye, and Ibrahim Sulemana, all of whom bring a mix of creativity and defensive stability to the midfield.
In attack, the squad is spearheaded by Tottenham Hotspur's Mohammed Kudus, who has been in fine form. He is supported by a strong contingent that includes Ipswich Town’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Emmanuel Annor from Medeama SC, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Ibrahim Osman, Prince Adu Kwabena, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and veteran Jordan Ayew. This diverse attacking lineup aims to capitalize on scoring opportunities and provide the necessary firepower to secure crucial points in the qualifiers.
Defensively, the squad is anchored by Gideon Mensah, Isaac Afful, Alidu Seidu, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Salisu Mohammed, and Musa Hamzata from Asante Kotoko. This group is tasked with ensuring a solid backline, crucial for maintaining clean sheets against the Somali side.
Assessing goalkeeper options for upcoming matches
In goal, the selection includes Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak, Lawrence Ati-Zigi of St. Gallen, and Joseph Anang of St. Patrick’s Athletic, providing a reliable trio to guard the net.
Ghana will host Somalia on November 12, 2026, at 15:00 GMT, before traveling for the return fixture on November 16, also at 15:00 GMT. These matches present Björkgren with a significant opportunity to assess his squad and build momentum as the Black Stars pursue a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
The Final Whistle
The upcoming double-header is not just about securing points; it’s also an essential moment for Björkgren to evaluate the depth and versatility of his squad. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, the coach faces the challenge of balancing experience with youthful energy. The inclusion of players like Kudus and Partey suggests a strategy focused on both immediate results and long-term development, as Ghana aims to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in African football.
As the Black Stars gear up for these crucial encounters, the blend of youth and experience in the squad could be the key to unlocking their potential. Björkgren's ability to effectively manage this mix will be critical in determining Ghana's success in the qualifiers. The upcoming matches will not only test the players' skills but also their ability to work cohesively as a unit, a vital aspect for any team aspiring to compete at the highest level in the AFCON tournament.
