Sports
Otto Addo names Black Stars squad for Mali, CAR World Cup qualifiers, Captain Andre Ayew dropped
The head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, Otto Addo has recently announced the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic. The announcement has sparked much interest and discussion among fans, as it features a mix of familiar faces and new talents.
Captain Andre Ayew, a prominent figure in the squad, has been surprisingly dropped for these crucial matches. This decision has raised eyebrows and ignited debates among fans and analysts alike, especially given Ayew’s significant contributions to the team in the past.
The squad selection for the Mali and Central African Republic matches includes notable players such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Daniel Amartey. Additionally, new talents like Ibrahim Sulemana and Brandon Thomas-Asante have been included, bringing fresh energy and potential to the team.
Fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting the team’s performance in these qualifiers, as they are pivotal for Ghana’s journey to the 2026 World Cup. The absence of key players like Andre Ayew and the inclusion of new talents have set the stage for an interesting and unpredictable series of matches.
As the team prepares for these crucial games, fans are hopeful that the blend of experience and fresh talent will bring success to the Black Stars. The matches against Mali and the Central African Republic will undoubtedly be closely watched, as they will provide a glimpse into the team’s future and their potential to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
This milestone was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.
A cross section of the twenty-three Ghanaian referees honored with their FIFA badges.
The badges, awarded annually by FIFA based on performance, fitness tests, and assessments from the previous year, authorize these officials to officiate international matches throughout 2026 across various formats.
The group includes:
- 10 Centre Referees
- 10 Assistant Referees
- 1 Futsal Referee
- 1 Beach Soccer Referee (notably, Portia Oppong, highlighted as a historic first female in this category for Ghana)
- 1 Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
Veteran referee Daniel Nii Laryea lead the list, retaining his status with dual recognition as both a Centre Referee and VAR official, showcasing his consistent excellence on the African and global stages.
Veteran Ghana referee Daniel Nii Laryea
In his address the GFA Vice-President Mark Addo congratulated them and urged them to aim for world-class standards: “Aspire for greatness. You are the soul and heart of the game.” He emphasized impartiality, fairness, and the responsibility that comes with representing Ghana internationally, with continued FIFA recognition depending on ongoing performance.
This achievement reflects Ghana’s strengthening presence in global refereeing, especially after past challenges in the sport. These referees are now set to take the pitch in international competitions, bringing pride to the nation.
Well done to all involved—keep upholding the highest standards!
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