Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana and West Bromwich Albion forward Brandon Thomas-Asante have received their first call-ups to the Ghana national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

The pair have been named in Coach Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the double-header scheduled for June 6 in Bamako and June 10 in Kumasi. Sulemana, who has impressed in Serie A this season with 21 appearances, and Thomas-Asante, who has netted 11 goals in 41 games for the Championship side, have caught the eye of the national selectors.

The Black Stars squad will assemble on Thursday morning to begin preparations for the qualifiers. Training will take place at the University of Ghana Stadium for six days before the team departs for Bamako on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Coach Addo is optimistic about the blend of experience and new talent in the squad. “Both Ibrahim and Brandon have shown great potential and consistency at their respective clubs. Their inclusion is a testament to their hard work and we are excited to see what they can bring to the team,” he stated.

Ghana is aiming to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The Black Stars’ journey begins with these crucial qualifiers, and the team is determined to start strong with victories in Bamako and Kumasi.