Medeama's Jonathan Sowah named in Ghana's AFCON Qualifier squad, Partey ruled out with injury

Chris Hughton, the manager of Ghana's national football team, has included Medeama SC striker Jonathan Sowah in his 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic in Kumasi.

Sowah, who previously played for Danbort FC before joining the champions during the second transfer window, made a significant impact by scoring 12 goals, contributing greatly to their League title victory.

The squad also welcomes the return of Elisha Owusu and Baba Iddrisu, both of whom have recovered from injuries. Baba Iddrisu was absent during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while Elisha Owusu sustained an injury in February and has not represented Ghana since the FIFA World Cup finals in November of the previous year.

Another notable comeback is South Africa-based goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who has not featured for Ghana since September 27, 2022, when Ghana secured a 1-0 victory over Nicaragua in a pre-World Cup friendly match in Lorca, Spain.

The squad's leadership remains in the capable hands of skipper Andre Ayew, who has been without a club since his short-term deal with Nottingham Forest expired in July. However, Arsenal's star player, Thomas Partey, is notably absent from the roster due to injury. According to his club, Partey sustained an injury during training and may face an extended period on the sidelines. The medical team of the Black Stars is closely monitoring his condition.

Ghana is set to host the Central African Republic in their final Group E game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

The squad:

Goalkeepers

Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Richard Ofori

Defenders

Alidu Seidu, Kingsley Schindler, Stephan Ambrosius, Joseph Aidoo, Alexander Djiku, Nicholas Opoku, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah

Midfielders

Abdul Samed Salis, Baba Iddissu, Andre Ayew, Elisha Owusu, Edmund Addo, Mohammed Kudus, Ransford Koningsdorffer

Forwards

Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Osman Bukari, Joseph Painstil, Jonathan Sowah