Midfielder Kwasi Sibo drafted into Ghana squad 

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo has been called up to reinforce the Black Stars ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Mali.

The Real Oviedo player joins Otto Addo’s squad after a difficult international break in which Ghana managed only a 1-1 draw with Chad and suffered several key absences in midfield.

Sibo, 27, is set to provide depth and stability in a department hit by misfortune.

Thomas Partey fell ill before the trip to N’Djamena, Ibrahim Sulemana sustained a knee injury in training, and Elisha Owusu is serving a suspension after accumulating yellow cards.

These setbacks left Addo with little choice but to draft in a reinforcement, with Sibo’s consistency at club level making him the preferred option.

His inclusion is about giving us more balance, a member of the technical staff explained. Kwasi has the discipline, work rate and tactical sense that can help us in a game of this magnitude.

Sibo has been a central figure in Real Oviedo’s rise, playing a crucial role in the Spanish side’s promotion to La Liga.

He has already featured in the club’s first three matches of the new season, starting twice, and has impressed with his composure in possession and defensive intelligence.

For Ghana, his presence is expected to strengthen the midfield unit in a match that could prove decisive in the qualification campaign.

The Black Stars remain top of their group with 16 points, but their stalemate against Chad has left little margin for error.

Mali, currently third on 12 points, will travel to Ghana with ambitions of closing the gap.

The stakes could not be clearer: victory for the Black Stars would consolidate their leadership, while a setback could open the door for their closest rivals.

For Addo’s men, the contest is also about restoring confidence.

Their performance against Chad drew criticism for a lack of fluidity and creativity, despite dominating possession.

The addition of Sibo offers a potential remedy, with his ability to disrupt opposition play and transition quickly expected to be valuable against a physically strong Malian side.

The Accra crowd is likely to play its part in what promises to be a high-intensity encounter.

Expectations are high that the Black Stars will respond to recent frustrations with a commanding display.

For Sibo, the call-up represents not only recognition of his progression in Spain but also an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to Ghana’s World Cup dream.

The clash with Mali is shaping up as one of the pivotal fixtures of the qualifying campaign, and Sibo’s presence adds a new dimension to Ghana’s preparations at a crucial moment.