Queiroz recalls several players to Ghana squad for Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia AFCON qualifiers

Ghana star Mohammed Kudus is among several players who have been recalled for the Black Stars' opening TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

The England-based midfielder has returned to the Ghana squad after a seven-month injury absence as coach Carlos Queiroz named 24 players for the two important matches to be played next week.

The Tottenham forward missed Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign because of injury but is back for a demanding international window that also includes a friendly against Morocco.

Ghana travel to Bouaké to face Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.

The Black Stars will then travel to Tangier to play Morocco in an international friendly on 4 October.

Kudus returns after World Cup absence

Kudus' return provides a major attacking boost for Queiroz, who has retained the core of the side that represented Ghana at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 26-year-old had been sidelined for seven months and missed the tournament but returns to an attacking group that also includes Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and captain Jordan Ayew.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ibrahim Osman, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Prince Adu Kwabena complete an eight-man forward selection.

Osman is another player returning to the national set-up, while Sassuolo midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has also been recalled.

Donkor and Gyamerah given opportunities

Queiroz has rewarded New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor and SV Elversberg defender Jan Gyamerah for their club form.

Donkor is one of five midfielders selected alongside Kwasi Sibo, Caleb Yirenkyi, Augustine Boakye and Sulemana.

Gyamerah joins a defence featuring several players who were part of Ghana's World Cup squad, including Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong Peprah and Alexander Djiku.

Baba Rahman is also included, while Nathaniel Adjei returns to the national team after almost a year away.

The Lorient defender has earned his recall following his performances in the French Ligue 1.

Derrick Luckassen completes the eight-man defensive group.

Asare retains place in goal

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retains his place following his involvement at the World Cup.

Asare is joined by St Gallen's Lawrence Ati-Zigi and St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper Joseph Anang.

The squad reflects a significant degree of continuity from the World Cup, although Queiroz has also used the start of the new AFCON qualifying cycle to bring other players into his plans.

The opening fixture will provide an immediate examination, with Ghana travelling to neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September.

Five days later the Black Stars return to Accra to face The Gambia, before turning their attention to the friendly against Morocco.

The Tangier match will give Queiroz another opportunity to assess his squad against one of Africa's leading sides after two competitive fixtures in the space of six days.

For Ghana, the September-October window represents the beginning of another continental campaign following their World Cup appearance, with qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 now the immediate target.

Ghana squad

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Anang (St Patrick's Athletic).

Defenders: Gideon Mensah (FC Köln), Baba Rahman (PAOK), Jan Gyamerah (SV Elversberg), Derrick Luckassen (Red Star Belgrade), Nathaniel Adjei (Lorient), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Fenerbahce), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow).

Midfielders: Kwasi Sibo (Swehely Club), Caleb Yirenkyi (Coventry City), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Étienne), Ronald Donkor (New York Red Bulls), Ibrahim Sulemana (Sassuolo).

Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Ipswich Town), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Ibrahim Osman (Brighton), Prince Adu Kwabena (Viktoria Plzen), Jordan Ayew (Sheffield United).