French-based winger Kamaldeen Sulemana returns to the Ghana national team squad following an injury layoff as the Black Stars prepare for a four-team friendly tournament in Japan before facing Madagascar and Central African Republic in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Captain André Ayew makes his return to the Ghana setup after missing out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria due to suspension and Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo is also in the team following the 22-year-old’s commitment to join the Black Stars.
Strasbourg center back Alexander Djiku, a stalwart in the Black Stars defense, is not in the squad due to “personal issues” as the the 27-year-old determines his club future following interest from bigger clubs. Portuguese-based Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo of Celta Vigo and veteran Columbus Crew stopper Jonathan Mensah are all candidates to replace Djiku in the starting lineup and partner Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey. Playmaker Daniel Kofi-Kyereh is also in the team while Daniel Afriyie (Hearts of Oak) and Augustine Okrah (Bechem United) represent the Ghana Premier League in the squad.
See the full list below. Ghana starts off their qualifying campaign on June 1 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium against Madagascar before traveling to face Central African Republic in Luanda, Angola on June 5. Angola completes the list of teams competing for top-2 spots in Group E. Afterwards the Black Stars travel to Japan for their opening Kirin Super Cup match against Japan on June 10.
