L-R: Tariq Lamptey, Dede Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, Salis Samed
The Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March has some significant absentees.
Several big names have been left out for various reasons, including injuries and the manager’s preferences.
Head coach Otto Addo announced a 23-man squad for the crucial qualifiers on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The Black Stars, who have won three and lost one in four qualifying matches, will face Chad and Madagascar in rounds four and five of the qualifying series.
GhanaWeb looks at some big names that have been omitted and will, therefore, not be available for the doubleheader.
Here are six key players left out of the Black Stars squad:
Tariq Lamptey
Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey has been in good form but was left out of the squad due to injury, according to the Black Stars’ technical team.
The Ghanaian missed Brighton’s win over Fulham on Sunday, March 8, 2024, due to a suspension after receiving a red card in the team’s FA Cup victory against Newcastle.
Despite reports of an injury, he is not yet listed on Brighton’s injury report.
Dede Ayew
Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew has missed yet another international call-up despite his good run of form for French side Le Havre.
Ayew has been sidelined from the national team since Otto Addo took over in March 2024, signalling a possible move away from the 34-year-old veteran.
He is Ghana’s fourth-highest goal scorer in the top five leagues, with four goals.
Abdul Salis Samed
RC Lens midfielder Abdul Salis Samed, currently on loan at Sunderland, remains absent from the national team as he misses another call-up.
He has struggled to hit top form at Sunderland, with limited game time contributing to his omission.
His last appearance for Ghana was in September 2024 during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Joseph Paintsil
LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil also missed out on the squad due to injury.
He is currently nursing a quadriceps injury sustained in February and has been ruled out for six to eight weeks.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Fatawu Issahaku has been left out of the squad as he is still recovering after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Alidu Seidu
Alidu Seidu is recovering from an ACL injury sustained in 2024. He has been ruled out for the season and is expected to return to action in the summer.
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