Otto Addo left captain Andre Ayew off of his 26-man roster for his first major job as the Black Stars’ head coach, ahead of Ghana’s pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Mali and Comoros.

Though he hasn’t been very effective for the Black Stars lately, the former Marseille forward has recovered for Le Havre in the French Ligue 1 by scoring six goals and providing an assist in 20 appearances across all competitions.

Thanks to his efforts, the French team finished in 15th place, avoiding relegation fears.

Other noteworthy absences include Inaki Williams, Majeed Ashimeru Joseph Paintsil, Baba Iddrisu, and injured players Nathaniel Adjei, Daniel Amartey, and Denis Odoi.

The sole domestic player included in the gaffer’s team is goalkeeper Frederick Asare of Asante Kotoko.

After that, on June 10, the Black Stars will play a match in Kumasi against the Central African Republic.

West Bromwich attacker Brandon Thomas-Asante and Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana have been called up for the first time.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who last played for Ghana in October’s friendly against the United States and Mexico, will return to the team in 2024 for the first time.

Kamaldeen Sulemana, who was promoted to the English Premier League with Southampton, has also rejoined the Black Stars team.

The team will report for training camp at Legon Stadium on Thursday, May 30, 2024. They will train there for six days before leaving for the important match in Mali.

The Black Stars defeated Comoros in their second match of the campaign after defeating Madagascar in their opening encounter.