Black Stars coach Otto Addo is ‘excited to return home’ after announcing his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic.

The gaffer will take charge of his first competitive games since he was re-appointed back in March this year after he led Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Otto Addo, who replaced former coach Chris Hughton, announced a 26-man squad for the double-header against Mali and Central African Republic at a press conference held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

The former Ghana international has expressed his delight at returning to his native Ghana and looks forward to a successful stint.

“I am excited and grateful to be back home, although it was not an easy decision. The GFA and Dortmund had several discussions, and I am now back where I belong.” Addo said in his opening remarks at Wednesday’s press conference .

The Black Stars will first travel to Bamako to battle Mali on June 6, before hosting the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on June 10, 2024.

Otto Addo’s 26-man squad will report for duty on Thursday morning as they begin preparations for the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.

The Black Stars will train at the University of Ghana Stadium for six days before departing for Bamako on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.