The Black Stars will be without twelve key players for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar due to injuries, as confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Among the sidelined players are Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Paintsil. Their injuries range from ACL tears and muscle strains to ankle ligament issues and knee problems. Some are still in the recovery phase, while others are undergoing rehabilitation. This injury crisis poses a major setback for Ghana’s national team as they prepare for these decisive fixtures. With many of their first-choice players ruled out, Coach Otto Addo will have to rethink his strategy and rely on the remaining squad members to secure crucial points.
Despite these significant absences, the Black Stars remain focused on their upcoming matches. The team will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar in another Group I encounter on Monday, March 24, 2025. These games are vital for Ghana’s qualification hopes, and the coaching staff will need to ensure the squad is mentally and physically prepared. The training camp is set to begin on Monday, March 17, 2025, giving the technical team a short window to assess available players and adjust their game plan accordingly. While the loss of key players could affect team cohesion, it also presents an opportunity for other squad members to step up and prove themselves on the international stage. The replacements will need to deliver strong performances to keep Ghana’s World Cup dream alive.
With such a long list of injured players, the coaching staff must be strategic in their selection and approach. Otto Addo will likely have to tweak his tactics to accommodate the available squad members and ensure they are well-prepared for the challenge ahead. The absence of experienced players such as Tariq Lamptey and Joseph Paintsil will be felt, but Ghana has a history of overcoming adversity in crucial moments. The depth of the squad will be tested, and younger players may get the chance to make an impact. Fans will be hoping for a strong response from the team despite the setbacks, as every point in the qualifiers will be essential. The Black Stars must find a way to overcome this challenge and maintain their momentum in the race for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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