Interim Black Stars head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has named five Ghana Premier League players in Ghana’s 26-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Somalia.
The selection gives the domestic league a prominent presence in the senior national team, with players from Hearts of Oak, FC Samartex, Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC included.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is the most experienced of the locally based players. He keeps his place after previously representing the Black Stars.
FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful has also been selected, giving him another chance to feature for Ghana’s senior side after a series of strong performances in the domestic league.
Three of the five players have received their first senior Black Stars call-ups.
Asante Kotoko captain and defender Musa Hamzata leads the newcomers, joined by Medeama SC midfielder Etse Dogli and forward Emmanuel Annor.
Hamzata’s inclusion follows an impressive run of performances at the centre of Kotoko’s defence. Dogli and Annor have been rewarded for their contributions to Medeama’s campaign this season.
The call-ups are particularly notable for Medeama, who will provide two players to the senior national team for the double-header.
Dogli has made a quick progression through Ghanaian football. He began at Division Two club Banana Inn FC, moved to Hearts of Lions and subsequently joined Medeama.
Annor, who has previously played for Bechem United and Nations FC, has continued to build his reputation through his performances for Medeama.
The five selections highlight the increasing role of Ghana Premier League players in the Black Stars squad. They will now have the opportunity to compete for places alongside Ghana’s foreign-based players.
Ghana face Somalia at Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before travelling into the second meeting between the teams on Monday, November 16.
The Black Stars are seeking maximum points from both matches after losing their opening Group C fixtures against Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
