Queiroz Adds Nine Fresh Faces to Black Stars Squad for AFCON Qualifiers

Ghana's national football team has received a significant squad boost ahead of critical Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches, with head coach Carlos Queiroz unveiling nine new call-ups to replace players sidelined by injury concerns. The additions come as the Black Stars prepare for back-to-back qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, as well as an international friendly against Morocco.

The reinforcements represent a mix of domestic and international talent, with players competing at various levels across Europe. On the defensive line, Queiroz has brought in Jonas Adjetey from VfL Wolfsburg, Alidu Seidu from OGC Nice, Ebenezer Annan from Rapid Bucharest, and Rockson Yeboah from Osasuna. Midfield depth has been strengthened with the inclusion of Rahim Ibrahim from Slovan Bratislava, whilst the forward department welcomes Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Mohammed Fuseini (Derby County), Benjamin Tetteh (Kalba), and Felix Afena-Gyan (Igdir FK).

Squad Preparations Underway

The Black Stars commenced their training camp in Accra on Monday, 21 September 2026, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a demanding period. The squad faces a compressed schedule, with three significant fixtures requiring focus and preparation. The early start allows Queiroz's side minimal time to build cohesion among the new additions whilst maintaining the tactical framework established in previous campaigns.

Training sessions were set to continue through Tuesday and beyond, with the coaching staff prioritising fitness conditioning and tactical integration ahead of the opening qualifiers. The depth created by these call-ups offers the technical team flexibility in selection and contingency planning should further injuries emerge during the preparation period.

Why It Matters for Ghana

These qualifiers carry substantial weight in Ghana's pursuit of AFCON 2027 participation. The competition against Côte d'Ivoire, a neighbouring West African rival with considerable pedigree, represents a high-intensity encounter where results directly impact qualification standings. The inclusion of players from top European clubs—particularly from the Premier League and major continental leagues—signals intent from the Ghana Football Association to field a competitive, well-resourced squad.

For many of the newly called-up players, this represents a crucial opportunity to stake claims for sustained international representation. Young talents like Afena-Gyan and Thomas-Asante are positioning themselves within Ghana's long-term planning, whilst established figures such as Adjetey and Seidu provide defensive stability. The squad composition reflects a balance between youth development and proven experience, a strategic approach necessary for navigating the unpredictable nature of African qualifying campaigns.

The absence of certain established names due to medical grounds also underscores the inherent challenges in international football, where club seasons and injury cycles frequently impact national team selections. Queiroz's adaptability in reshaping the squad demonstrates the coaching staff's ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances whilst maintaining competitive ambitions across three fixtures.