Otto Addo Names 24-Man Black Stars Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali
Ghana coach Otto Addo has named a 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, with some key players making their return, a maiden call-up, and notable high-profile omissions.
The squad welcomes back Thomas Partey, Joseph Paintsil, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, all of whom missed previous assignments through injury. Their return is expected to strengthen the Black Stars as they look to maintain their lead in Group I.
Defender Derrick Köhn has been handed his debut call-up after impressing with Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga, offering Otto Addo more depth at left-back.
Meanwhile, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has been left out despite recently returning from injury, with the technical team opting to give him more time to regain form.
The list features a mix of youth and experience. Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and Mohammed Kudus will spearhead the attack, while midfield options include Salis Abdul Samed, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Osman, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Thomas Partey.
Defensively, Alexander Djiku is joined by Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah, Tariq Lamptey, Jerome Opoku, and Caleb Yirenkyi, with Lawrence Ati Zigi and Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare leading the goalkeeping department.
Ghana currently sit top of Group I with 15 points from six matches, three ahead of second-placed Comoros. With two games to play in this September window, the Black Stars will aim to secure maximum points to strengthen their push for a fifth World Cup appearance.
Otto Addo’s men will travel to face Chad on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Omnisports Idriss Mahamat Ouya in N’Djamena, before returning to the Accra Sports Stadium to host Mali on Monday, September 8.
Find the full squad below
