Kudus to Wear Armband Against Sudan in Crucial AFCON Qualifier
West Ham United star, Mohammed Kudus has been confirmed by Black Stars coach, Otto Addo to captain the Black Stars in their upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
Kudus will wear the captain’s armband in the absence of the team’s regular leaders, Andre Ayew, and Thomas Partey, who withdrew from the squad due to injury.
This will mark the first time the 23-year-old midfielder leads the national team since making his debut in 2020 under the guidance of former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah, who now manages the Sudanese national team.
Kudus, whose meteoric rise has been a highlight in Ghanaian football, will take on the responsibility of leading the Black Stars in a crucial encounter that could shape the team’s path towards AFCON 2025 qualification.
His leadership on the pitch will be vital as Ghana faces a must-win scenario to bolster their chances in the qualifiers.
Known for his versatility and creativity in midfield, the young star has already proven his ability to perform on the big stage, both for his club, West Ham United, and the national team.
Coach Otto Addo expressed confidence in Kudus, emphasizing his maturity and influence on the pitch.
“Kudus has shown great composure and leadership qualities. He understands the importance of this game, and I believe he is ready to lead the team,” Addo stated.
As the Black Stars prepare for the high-stakes match, all eyes will be on Kudus to see how he handles this new responsibility.
Fans will be hopeful that his presence will inspire the team to deliver a strong performance and secure a crucial win against Sudan. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, especially with the added subplot of Kwesi Appiah facing his former team.
With Ghana aiming to qualify for AFCON 2025, this encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium is a pivotal moment, and Kudus’ leadership could make all the difference. The Black Stars are expected to put in a solid performance, with Kudus at the helm steering them toward a positive result.