Queiroz Names Final Black Stars Squad for World Cup, Agbasi and Reverson Miss Out
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has named his final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over the players who will represent Ghana at the global tournament.
The squad is largely drawn from the 28-man group that travelled to Wales for the team’s pre-World Cup training camp and international friendly, with only a handful of changes made before the final submission.
The biggest setback came with the withdrawal of Spartak Moscow defender Alexander Djiku, who has been ruled out through injury. In his place, Queiroz has handed a call-up to Pafos defender Derrick Luckassen.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and Ajax shot-stopper Paul Reverson have failed to make the final list after initially being included in the provisional squad.
Ghana will also head to the World Cup without injured duo Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus, who were unable to regain full fitness in time for selection. The omission of Derrick Kohn has also generated debate among supporters following the announcement.
Goalkeeping Department and Defensive Unit Finalised
Benjamin Asare, the Hearts of Oak captain, has been retained among the three goalkeepers selected for the tournament alongside Lawrence Ati Zigi (St. Gallen) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).
Although competition remains for the starting role, Asare appears to be in pole position after establishing himself as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent matches.
At the heart of defence, Queiroz has opted for Derrick Luckassen (Pafos), Kojo Oppong Peprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano) and Jerome Opoku.
Marvin Senaya (Auxerre) and Alidu Seidu (Rennes) provide options at right-back, while Gideon Mensah (Auxerre) and Abdul Baba Rahman (PAOK) have been selected on the left side of defence. Baba Rahman’s inclusion marks a return to the national team fold after an absence of almost three years.
In midfield, Thomas Partey headlines a group that also includes Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu, Augustine Boakye, and Caleb Yirenkyi.
Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
The attacking department features a number of Ghana’s most exciting talents, with Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Adu Kwabena, Antoine Semenyo, and Kamaldeen Sulemana all earning places in the squad.
The final selection combines World Cup experience with a sizeable contingent of newcomers. Twelve members of the squad were involved in Ghana’s previous World Cup campaign, while fourteen players are preparing for their maiden appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang, Derrick Luckassen, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Jerome Opoku, Marvin Senaya, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Prince Adu Kwabena, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ernest Nuamah, and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among those set to feature at a World Cup finals for the first time.
Ghana will begin its campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before taking on England and Croatia in what promises to be a challenging group-stage schedule.
With the squad now confirmed, Queiroz’s focus turns to fine-tuning his team as the Black Stars seek to make a strong impression and progress beyond the first round of the competition.