Ghana call up nine players and bring Asamoah Gyan into Black Stars set-up

Ghana have added nine players to their squad ahead of Thursday’s trip to Cote d’Ivoire for the opening match of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Carlos Queiroz has expanded his group after medical concerns disrupted his plans at the start of the Black Stars’ training camp. The additional selections will also apply to the home fixture against Gambia in Accra on 29 September and the friendly against Morocco on 4 October.

The Ghana Football Association has described the move as an expansion of the squad rather than a set of replacements.

Defenders Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Ebenezer Annan and Rockson Yeboah have been called up, while Rahim Ibrahim strengthens the midfield options. Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan provide further cover in attack.

The additions give Queiroz alternatives across every area of the team, although it remains unclear whether any of the nine players will be available to start against Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake.

There has also been a significant change to the original squad, with Mohammed Kudus withdrawn from the gathering. The midfielder had initially been included among the players returning after a lengthy injury, but Queiroz said he had been left out to protect his recovery.

The Portugal coach must now prepare for a competitive fixture with little time between the players’ arrival and the first match. His own position had been questioned several weeks ago, although he ultimately remained in charge of Ghana.

Queiroz will face a Cote d’Ivoire side that has also undergone considerable change. Head coach Herve Renard has selected eight new players as he begins his second spell in charge of the Elephants.

Ghana have made an important appointment away from the playing squad as well, with the federation announcing that Asamoah Gyan will return to the Black Stars’ set-up.

Gyan, Ghana’s record international goalscorer with 51 goals and a former captain, has not been appointed as a coach or given responsibility for the sporting department. His role will be to help connect the players, their clubs and the coaching staff while supporting the squad.

The former striker’s experience of the national team is expected to provide valuable support during a demanding period. His presence does not remove the selection problems facing Queiroz, but it gives the changing group a familiar figure around the camp.

Ghana will therefore arrive for the meeting with Cote d’Ivoire with a substantially altered set-up, following the addition of nine players, Kudus’ withdrawal and Gyan’s return in an off-field role.