Carlos Queiroz recalls Baba Rahman, Ernest Nuamah for World Cup mission
Coach Carlos Queiroz has launched Ghana’s World Cup countdown by recalling a clutch of players returning from injury setbacks, led by Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Mumin and Alidu Seidu, and in Baba Abdul Rahman’s case, self-imposed exile from the national team.
In a bold 28-man squad announced for Ghana’s preparation camp in Cardiff and the international friendly against Wales on June 2, the Black Stars coach signalled clearly that experience, character, and battle-tested quality could prove decisive as Ghana prepares for a brutal Group L campaign against Panama, England and Croatia in North America.
The headline return is Rahman, absent from the national team since September 2023 after stepping away amid sustained abuse from sections of supporters frustrated by Ghana’s poor performances. However, after rebuilding both form and confidence at Greek giants PAOK, where he made 35 appearances, scored three goals and supplied three assists, rediscovering the attacking thrust and consistency that once made him one of Africa’s most highly-rated left-backs.
His return forms part of a wider rehabilitation project within Queiroz’s squad, with the Portuguese coach recalling several players who have spent the last year fighting injuries, setbacks and uncertainty.
Among them is Olympique Lyon winger Nuamah, who returns after nearly a year out following a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury that stalled the momentum of one of Ghana’s brightest attacking talents. Now fully fit again, the youngster’s pace, direct running and unpredictability hand Ghana a major attacking boost ahead of the World Cup.
Rayo Vallecano defender Mumin also returns after a lengthy ACL layoff, while Stade Rennes defender Alidu Seidu and Saint-Étienne midfielder Augustine Boakye have both fought their way back into contention after injury-hit campaigns in Europe.
The returns could significantly reshape the balance, athleticism and defensive solidity of a Black Stars side that struggled badly for continuity under previous regimes.
Queiroz appears determined to rebuild not merely a squad, but the competitive spine and mentality required for tournament football.
The team opened camp on Sunday at Dragon Park in Cardiff, with the Wales friendly expected to provide the first real tactical glimpse into Queiroz’s evolving World Cup blueprint before Ghana heads to North America.
The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama in Toronto before heavyweight clashes against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia — fixtures that could define not only Ghana’s tournament fate but also the long-term direction of the national team under Queiroz.
The Portuguese trainer has also injected youth and long-term succession planning into the squad with the inclusion of Ajax Amsterdam youngster Paul Reverson. The 20-year-old defender has earned a call-up for further assessment after impressing with Ajax’s youth side in the Netherlands and is viewed as one for the future.
Ghana’s squad still carries proven tournament experience and firepower, with the likes of Thomas Partey, Skipper Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams among the senior core, while Antoine Semenyo arrives in camp as arguably Ghana’s most explosive attacking weapon after a sensational season with Manchester City.
There is also renewed emphasis on energy, athleticism and transition play, with players such as Kamal Deen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Christopher Bonsu Baah offering pace and vertical threat.
Ghana will face Panama in the opening Group L match in Toronto before taking on England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia, respectively.
Squad:
Goalkeepers
Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak SC)
Defenders
Paul Reverson (Ajax), Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano)
Midfielders
Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Thomas Partey (Villarreal)
Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (AS St. Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City)
Forwards
Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atlanta), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
