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Saturday, September 30, 2023

New Ghana coach Chris Hughton calls up his first squad for AFCON qualifying ties against Angola

New Ghana senior national team coach Chris Hughton’s squad is out as the Black Stars prepare for upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Angola in Group E. Ghana face the Palancas Negras at home on March 23 before traveling to Angola for a return fixture four days later with top spot in the group up for grabs. Both teams are level at the top with four points each from two games while Central African Republic and Madagascar square off with one point each.

Several players who were brought into the fold before the 2022 FIFA World Cup were called including Southampton central defender Mohammed Salisu, Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams, Brighton right back Tariq Lamptey and Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Star players Thomas Partey of Arsenal and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus will give Ghana an imposing midfield while Kamaldeen Sulemana is in the attack as well as veterans Jordan and André Ayew.

Winger Joseph Paintsil and midfielder Majeed Ashimeru return to the national team after being overlooked for the World Cup. The defensive selections from the team in Qatar are mostly intact with central defender Alexander Djiku forming a solid partnership alongside Salisu. Left back Baba Rahman is left out in favor Auxerre player Gideon Mensah and Sheriff Tiraspol’s Patrick Kpozo who is looking for his first senior team appearance.

The full list of players is below.