Chris Hughton names Black Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has named his squad for the November FIFA international window. The Black Stars have two World Cup qualifying matches against old foes Madagascar and the giant slayers, Comoros.

Having suffered embarrassing defeats in the two friendlies last month; 2-0 against Mexico and 4-0 against the United States, Chris Hughton has made some changes to the team. Notable returnees are skipper Andre Ayew and Jojo Wollacot. The latter has been missing since helping the nation book its place in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Injuries have limited his actions for his club and blocked his return but he is now back in action and will be hoping to figure prominently in the qualifiers.

Jerome Opoku, Elisha Owusu, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, Kingsley Schindler, Stephan Ambrosius and Joseph Aidoo are among the absentees. Abdul Manaf Nurudeen has been snubbed as Jojo Wollacot makes a return with Richard Ofori and Lawrence Ati-Zigi preferred as the two other goalkeepers. Alexander Djiku and Baba Rahman are absent as Gideon Mensah maintains his place in the squad.

Meanwhile, Denis Odoi, Kasim Adams, Daniel Amartey, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Majeed Ashimeru are among the high-profile returnees. Abdul Mumin also has been summoned alongside Ghana Premier League scoring machine, Jonathan Sowah. Meanwhile, representation from the Ghana Premier League still remains low as Abdul Fatawu Hamid remains the only other representative from the league.

Ghana will host Madagascar on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Baba Yara Stadium before travelling to the Stade de Moroni to face Comoros four days later.