Ghana coach hands new call-ups for Somalia ties

##Ghana Coach Hands New Call-Ups Ahead of Somalia AFCON Qualifiers

#Ghana's interim head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has handed maiden national team call-ups to three home-based players ahead of the Black Stars' crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia.

#The newly invited players are Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC duo Emmanuel Annor and Etse Dogli. Their inclusion follows impressive performances in the ongoing Ghana Premier League, where they have attracted attention through their contributions to their respective clubs.

#Hamzata, a defender for Asante Kotoko, has earned an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities at the senior international level. Meanwhile, Annor, who plays as a forward, and Dogli, a midfielder, have been rewarded for their consistent performances for Medeama.

#The three players form part of a 26-man squad selected by Björkegren as Ghana prepares for two important encounters that could determine the country's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

#The squad also welcomes back several experienced players, including captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh and Alidu Seidu.

#Ayew returns after recovering from a groin injury that prevented him from participating in Ghana's previous qualifying matches. Kudus is also back in the squad following an injury that kept him out of international action during 2026. Kyereh, meanwhile, earns his first national team invitation in four years after recovering from a lengthy injury absence.

#Ghana's preparations come after a disappointing start to the qualifying campaign. The Black Stars lost their opening two matches, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Côte d'Ivoire before losing 4-2 to The Gambia.

#The results have increased pressure on the team to secure maximum points from the upcoming fixtures.

#Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, 2026, before meeting the same opponents again on Monday, November 16. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. GMT.

#The double-header presents Björkegren with an important opportunity to strengthen the team, integrate new talents and revive Ghana's hopes of securing a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

#The inclusion of locally based players also highlights the importance of recognising domestic football talent and providing opportunities for emerging players to represent the country at the highest level.