Kim Lars names 5 GPL players in Black Stars 26-Man squad for Somalia clash

Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has announced a 26-man Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia, featuring a combination of locally based talents and players plying their trade abroad.

The squad includes several notable returns, with captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, and Alidu Seidu earning invitations for the two crucial encounters.

Jordan Ayew returns to the national team after missing last month's qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia due to a groin injury. The experienced forward has since recovered and is available for the upcoming fixtures.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Mohammed Kudus has also been recalled after an extended absence from the Black Stars.

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The midfielder has not featured for Ghana in 2026 after an injury ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Another significant inclusion is German-based midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh, who returns to the national team for the first time in four years.

The midfielder has been sidelined from international duty since December 2022 because of injury problems.

Björkegren has also recognized five Ghana Premier League players in his 26-man selection, with several earning opportunities following their impressive performances in the ongoing domestic campaign.

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Isaac Afful, who plays for FC Samartex, has earned a place in the squad alongside Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko.

Medeama SC also has two representatives, Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor, who have been rewarded for their performances in the league.

The fifth Ghana Premier League representative is Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak, completing the list of five locally based players selected for the Somalia double-header.

The inclusion of these domestic league players highlights the national team's efforts to provide opportunities for talents competing in Ghana's top-flight competition.

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The Black Stars opened camp in Accra on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as preparations began for the two qualifying matches.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026, before the two sides meet again in the return fixture on Monday, November 16, 2026.

The double-header presents Björkegren and his players with an important opportunity to revive Ghana's qualification campaign after defeats against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two matches.

Squad List