WCQ 2026: Black Stars begin training for crucial qualifiers against Mali and C.A.R

The Black Stars of Ghana kick-started preparations on Friday, May 31, in preparation for the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The senior national team is billed to play Mali and Central African Republic in the doubleheader of the World Cup Qualifiers.

READ MORE : FULL: Ghana squad for World Cup Qualifiers; Andre Ayew dropped

Coach Otto Addo named 26 players for the two games but as things stand, only twenty-four have reported to camp.

The two absentees, Djiku out with an injury and Osman Bukari putting the finishing touch to his move to the American-based side, Austin FC.  

The twenty-four players are three goalkeepers, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Wollacott, Fredrick Asare, Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Salisu Mohammed, Jerome Opoku, and Abdul Mumin, Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed, Gideon Mensah, Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Ibrahim Sulemana, Edmund Addo, Elisha Owusu, and Abu Francis, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ibrahim Osman, Kamal Deen Sulemana, and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING SESSION 

Ibrahim Sulemana, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Fredrick Asare are three players who have been handed callus to the national team.  

The team will use the University of Ghana Sports Stadium for all its training sessions before they depart the shores of Accra for Mali on June 4.

Ghana is currently fourth in Group I with three points, following a win against Madagascar and a loss to Comoros.