Ghanaian Players in Action: A Look at the Black Stars Call-Ups Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, Ghana’s Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has named his squad for the crucial encounters against Chad and Madagascar.
The team will undergo four days of training before taking on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. They will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in their second Group I match on Monday, March 24.
Here’s a closer look at the form of the Ghanaian players abroad who have received a national team call-up.
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati-Zigi had a tough outing in the Swiss Super League, conceding two goals as FC St. Gallen fell 2-0 to Lausanne. Joseph Wollacott endured an even tougher game, letting in five goals in Crawley Town’s 5-1 defeat to Huddersfield in England’s League One. Meanwhile, Benjamin Asare was between the sticks for Hearts of Oak, who lost 1-0 to Dreams FC in the Ghana Premier League.
Defenders
Gideon Mensah played 63 minutes for AJ Auxerre in their 1-1 draw against Nice, while Ebenezer Annan made a brief 10-minute cameo in Red Star Belgrade’s 2-1 win over Sp. Subotica. Mohammed Salisu also made a short appearance for AS Monaco in their 2-0 win over Angers.
Jerome Opoku played the full 90 minutes for Istanbul Basaksehir but couldn’t prevent his side from suffering a 3-0 loss to Trabzonspor in Turkey. Alexander Djiku featured in Fenerbahçe’s draw against Samsunspor, while Kingsley Schindler also saw action for Samsunspor in the same match.
Razak Simpson played a starring role for Nations FC, scoring a stunning goal in their 2-1 victory over Medeama SC in the Ghana Premier League. Jonas Adjetey was an unused substitute as FC Basel lost 2-1 to Young Boys in Switzerland. Kamaradini Mamudu featured for Medeama SC in their 2-1 defeat to Nations FC.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey made an appearance for Arsenal in their 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League, continuing his return to full fitness. Elisha Owusu played 76 minutes in AJ Auxerre’s 1-1 draw against Nice, putting in a solid shift in midfield.
Abu Francis remained on the bench in Cercle Brugge’s 3-0 loss to Anderlecht, while Kudus Mohammed was active for West Ham United in their 1-1 draw against Everton in the English top flight. Ernest Nuamah enjoyed 71 minutes of action for Olympique Lyon in their 4-2 triumph over Le Havre in Ligue 1.
Forwards
Antoine Semenyo featured for AFC Bournemouth, though they fell 2-1 to Brentford in the Premier League. Kamaldeen Sulemana played 83 minutes for Southampton but couldn’t help them avoid a 2-1 defeat to Wolves. Jordan Ayew made a brief substitute appearance in Leicester City’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United.
In Spain, Inaki Williams played a key role in Athletic Bilbao’s 1-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga. Jerry Afriyie lasted 75 minutes in CD Lugo’s 2-1 win over Unionistas, while Christopher Bonsu Baah put in 81 minutes for Genk as they edged Royale Union SG 2-1 in Belgium’s top flight.
