Partey joins Black Stars as Ghana prepare for crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Angola
Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, have begun preparations for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches against Angola and Niger. A total of ten players attended the opening day of training at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, setting the stage for what promises to be a crucial campaign.
Among those present was star midfielder Thomas Partey, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Partey’s inclusion is seen as a major boost for the team, given his leadership and experience on the international stage.
He was joined by a mix of home-based and international players, including goalkeepers Frederick Asare and Joseph Wollacott, as well as Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jonas Adjetey, Tariq Lamptey, Ebenezer Annan, and Ibrahim Osman.
The squad’s opening session focused on light drills and tactical discussions under the watchful eye of head coach Chris Hughton, who is eager to mold the team into a cohesive unit before the crucial encounters.
Ghana faces Angola in their Group F opener at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on September 5.
The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco, where they will meet Niger on September 9 in a match that could significantly impact their qualification prospects.
The presence of foreign-based players like Partey and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey, along with the youthful talent of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Antoine Semenyo, highlights the balance Hughton is trying to strike between experience and emerging potential.
The squad is expected to grow over the coming days as other foreign-based players arrive to join the camp.
For Partey, this international duty presents another opportunity to lead the Black Stars as they aim for another successful AFCON qualification.
He has been a key figure in Ghana’s recent campaigns and is expected to be central to their efforts in both matches.
Partey’s performances for Arsenal this season have shown his ability to control the midfield, and the Black Stars will look to him to anchor their play against a tough Angolan side.
Goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott, who plies his trade at Scottish club Hibernian, will also be vital in keeping Ghana defensively secure.
Alongside Frederick Asare, the goalkeepers are expected to provide the necessary stability at the back, particularly in light of the Black Stars’ efforts to tighten up defensively.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, who has been making waves in the English Championship with West Bromwich Albion, is another key player to watch.
His pace and power in attack could give Ghana an added edge as they seek to outmaneuver Angola’s defense.
Similarly, Tariq Lamptey’s return to the national team adds depth to the defensive lineup, with his attacking runs down the right flank likely to be a critical component of Ghana’s game plan.
With the players scheduled to travel to Kumasi on Tuesday to continue their preparations, the focus will shift toward refining tactics and building team chemistry.
Coach Hughton will be keen to ensure that his squad is in peak condition as they aim to secure victories in both matches and cement their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, set to be held in Morocco.
The Black Stars’ opening qualifier against Angola is expected to draw significant attention from fans, as Ghana looks to assert its dominance in Group F.
A strong performance at the Baba Yara Stadium will be vital in setting the tone for the qualifiers, particularly with the challenge of facing Niger away just days later.
As anticipation builds for the matches ahead, Ghana’s players are fully aware of the importance of starting the campaign on the right foot.
With a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, the Black Stars will be looking to make a statement and continue their journey toward AFCON glory.
