2027 AFCON qualifiers: Derby County forward Mohammed Fuseini handed late Ghana call-up

Mohammed Fuseini has been handed a late call-up to the Ghana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Gambia.

Flashscore reports that the Derby County forward has been added to the squad following Mohammed Kudus’ decision to withdraw from the international window and uncertainty surrounding Prince Adu Kwabena’s availability.

Fuseini’s recall comes less than 48 hours after he scored his first goal for Derby County, rescuing a point for the Championship side in their 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Fuseini gets another chance

The 24-year-old returns to the Black Stars setup more than a year after making his senior international debut.

Fuseini was initially called up for Ghana’s 2025 Unity Cup campaign in London, where he made his debut as a late substitute in the defeat to Nigeria.

He was handed his first start against Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff and responded with a goal as Ghana secured a 4-0 victory.

Despite making an immediate impression during the tournament, Fuseini was not included in another senior squad until his latest call-up.

His return gives Queiroz another attacking option as Ghana prepare to open their AFCON qualifying campaign later this week.

Kudus steps away after injury return

Fuseini’s inclusion follows Kudus’ withdrawal from the squad after the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder recently returned to competitive football following a seven-month injury lay-off.

Kudus has opted to remain with his club during the international break as he continues his recovery and works towards regaining full fitness before returning to national team duty.

His decision leaves Queiroz without one of Ghana’s key attacking players for the opening AFCON qualifiers.

There are also concerns over Adu Kwabena, who sustained a head injury while playing for Viktoria Plzen against Slavia Prague over the weekend.

The forward was stretchered off during the match and is expected to undergo further medical examinations before a decision is made on whether he can join the Black Stars.

Fuseini’s call-up therefore provides additional cover in the attacking department.

Derby goal earns timely recognition

The forward has made a promising start to life in England after joining Derby County on loan from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for the 2026/27 season.

He marked his latest appearance with a crucial contribution at Turf Moor, coming off the bench before scoring in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw for John Eustace’s side.

The equaliser was Fuseini’s first goal since completing his move to Derby and arrived at a timely moment as Ghana’s technical team finalised preparations for the international window.

His performance has now earned him another opportunity to impress at senior international level.

Ghana face busy international window

Fuseini is expected to report to the Black Stars camp this week ahead of Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast.

The Black Stars will travel to Bouaké for the Group F encounter on September 24, with Queiroz beginning his competitive campaign as Ghana coach.

Ghana will then return home to face Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.

The team’s schedule will conclude with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on October 4.

Fuseini’s late inclusion means he could now feature in the squad for all three matches as Ghana begin their preparations for the 2027 AFCON tournament.