The Ghana national football team, affectionately known as the Black Stars, commenced their training camp in Accra on Monday, September 1, 2025, marking the initial steps in their crucial preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team gathered at the iconic Accra Sports Stadium to begin their sessions in anticipation of the Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures against Chad and Mali, respectively.
The opening training session saw an initial turnout of 12 players, comprising ten outfield players and two goalkeepers. This group included several key figures expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming matches. Among the outfield players present were the team captain, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, and Gideon Mensah, providing an early indication of the squad’s core. Notably, Kamaldeen Sulemana also participated, suggesting a positive update on his fitness status and availability for the qualifiers. The goalkeeping duties during this initial session were handled by Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang.
Following this inaugural session, the team is scheduled for another training session on Tuesday morning in Accra. Shortly thereafter, the squad will depart for N’Djamena, Chad, where they are set to face their Matchday 7 opponents on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Key reinforcements are expected to join the team before they depart for Chad, including the influential midfielder Thomas Partey and the remaining invited players, further bolstering the squad’s strength and depth.
Ghana currently leads Group I of the qualifiers with 15 points after six matches. This performance highlights the team’s goal of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following the match against Chad, the Black Stars will return to Accra to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025. These upcoming matches offer chances for the Black Stars to strengthen their lead and move closer to qualifying for the tournament. The training sessions in Accra are therefore crucial for refining strategies and building team cohesion to achieve these objectives.