Black Stars coach Hughton names 27-man squad for AFCON 2023 (LIST)

Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, has revealed its official squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D'Ivoire, with notable exclusions, including Arsenal star Thomas Partey.

Head coach Chris Hughton cited recurring injuries as the reason for Partey's absence.

The official squad, announced on Monday, January 1, 2024, confirmed that key players like Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Abdul Baba Rahman will also miss the tournament. Hughton explained that the decision to exclude Partey was influenced by his ongoing battle with injuries.

In the finalized squad, Kotoko's midfielder Richmond Lamptey joins Medeama duo Jonathan Sowah and Fatawu Hamidu as the local-based players selected for the team.

Andre Ayew, expected to lead the team in Ivory Coast this month, is eyeing a new record. If Ayew scores in the AFCON, he will become the first player to score in seven different editions of the tournament. Captain André has previously scored in AFCON editions in 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021.

Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and Ernest Nuamah are also included in the squad for the AFCON 2023.

As part of the tournament build-up, Ghana will face Namibia in an international friendly at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, January 8, 2024.

The Black Stars find themselves in Group B for the upcoming tournament, set to contend with formidable opponents such as Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.

CONFIRMED: The 27 Black Stars for AFCON 2023;

Goalkeepers;
Lawrence Ati-Zigi
Richard Ofori
Jojo Wollacott

Defenders;
Alidu Seidu
Dennis Odoi
Kingsley Schindler
Gideon Mensah
Abdul Fatawu Hamidu (Medeama)
Daniel Amartey
Nicholas Opoku
Alexander Djiku
Mohammed Salisu

Midfielders;
Samed Salis
Baba Iddrisu
Majeed Ashimeru
Elisha Owusu
Richmond Lamptey (Kotoko)
Mohammed Kudus
Andre Ayew
Ransford Konigsdorffer
Osman Bukari
Joseph Paintsil
Jordan Ayew
Ernest Nuamah

Strikers;
Iñaki Williams
Antoine Semenyo
Jonathan Sowah (Medeama)

Ghana’s AFCON Fixtures;

Ghana vs Cape Verde

Sunday 14 January, 2024

Kick-off: 8pm UK time

Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny, Ivory Coast

Egypt vs Ghana

Thursday 18 January, 2024

Kick-off: 8pm UK time

Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny, Ivory Coast

Mozambique vs Ghana

Monday 22 January, 2024

Kick-off: 8pm local time

Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé, Ivory Coast