Nine players open Black Stars' training camp ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Nine players took part in the Black Stars’ first training session in Accra on Monday as preparations began for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

The players present for Monday’s session included Benjamin Asare, Joseph Wollacott, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Gideon Mensah, Kamaradini Mamudu, Razak Simpson, Antoine Semenyo, Salisu Mohammed, and Kamal Deen Sulemana.

The rest of the squad was expected to join the camp by Monday night ahead of Tuesday’s training session.

Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday before travelling to Morocco for their second Group I fixture against Madagascar on Monday, March 24.

The Black Stars currently sit level on nine points with Comoros in Group I, having recorded three wins and one defeat in their four matches so far.

Ghana’s qualifying campaign began with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar, followed by a narrow defeat to Comoros.

They bounced back with consecutive wins over Mali and the Central African Republic in June last year.

Lawrence Agyekum Receives Late Call-Up

Meanwhile, Cercle Brugge midfielder Lawrence Agyekum has received a late call-up to the Black Stars squad for the upcoming qualifiers, replacing AJ Auxerre’s Elisha Owusu, who has been ruled out due to injury.

Agyekum has featured in 38 matches across all competitions for Cercle Brugge this season

The 21-year-old has impressed in Belgium this season, showcasing his versatility and maturity.

Agyekum has featured in 38 matches across all competitions for Cercle Brugge, earning recognition for his strong performances.

The Black Stars have been hit with a major injury crisis, with 12 players currently sidelined.

The injured players include Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Iddrisu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Paintsil.