Kudus, Djiku return as Jordan Ayew earns Ghana call-up; Partey misses Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia clash

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cte dIvoire and The Gambia, with Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku returning to the Black Stars.Captain Jordan Ayew has also been included, while the major absentee is Thomas Partey, who misses out due to injury concerns.Kudus returns after missing Ghanas 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign through injury. The Tottenham forward spent seven months on the sidelines but has now recovered and is back in contention for the Black Stars.Djiku also returns after missing the World Cup through injury. The Spartak Moscow defender has since regained his fitness and has been a regular for his club, completing three consecutive 90-minute appearances ahead of the international break.Ayew, who recently joined Sheffield United, has also been invited by Queiroz despite making only limited appearances for his new club since completing his move. His experience and leadership remain important to the Black Stars as Ghana begin their AFCON qualification campaign.Partey, meanwhile, is a notable absence from the squad as he continues to deal with injury issues.Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retains his place alongside Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang, while Nathaniel Adjei returns after almost a year away following his impressive form for Lorient in Ligue 1.Jan Gyamerah of SV Elversberg and Ronald Donkor of New York Red Bulls have also been rewarded with call-ups for their strong club form.Ibrahim Osman and Sassuolo midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana are among the other players returning to the squad.Ghana face Cte dIvoire on September 24 before hosting The Gambia on September 29 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco for a friendly against the Atlas Lions on October 4.