By Kwame Bediako
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced his 23-man squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Chad and Madagascar later this month.
The Black Stars are determined to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and secure their fifth qualification for the World Cup.
The squad sees the return of Thomas Partey, who has been out of the national team for some time now, with emerging striker Jerry Afriyie also making a cut into the squad for the second time.
However, some players, including Alidu Seidu, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Abdul Mumin, and Daniel Kofi Kyere, will miss the games due to injuries. On the other hand, Andre Ayew has again been dropped as his return to the team still looks uncertain after being out since the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Jordan Ayew will be expected to lead the team as captain for the games. Ghana will face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT, before travelling to Morocco for a clash against Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24, 2025. With the team sitting second in Group I, these games are crucial for their World Cup qualification hopes.
Coach Otto Addo will be under pressure to deliver in the two games, given the team’s recent performances. The Black Stars have been criticised for their poor display in the AFCON qualifiers, and fans will be expecting a significant improvement in the World Cup qualifiers.
The upcoming games against Chad and Madagascar will be a litmus test for the Black Stars, and coach Addo will be hoping that his team can rise to the occasion and secure crucial wins.
With the World Cup qualification on the line, the Black Stars will need to be at their best to overcome their opponents and take a step closer to securing their place in the 2026 World Cup.
