Five GPL players named in Black Stars squad for Somalia double-header

Five Ghana Premier League players have earned places in the Black Stars squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia, offering domestic football a strong representation in the national team.

FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful, Asante Kotoko midfielder Musa Hamzata, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and Medeama SC duo Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor are the locally based players selected by interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren.

Afful and Hamzata headline the selections after their performances in the ongoing Ghana Premier League, with both earning opportunities to impress at the international level.

Asare's inclusion provides another opportunity for the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper to strengthen his place in the national team setup, having previously featured for Ghana.

Medeama have two representatives in Dogli and Annor, whose call-ups underline the club's contribution to the domestic game this season.

The five players will join a squad that includes several established internationals, among them captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Alidu Seidu.

Ghana have opened camp in Accra ahead of the first meeting with Somalia on Thursday, November 12, at the Sekondi Sports Stadium. The return fixture is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026.

The double-header presents an opportunity for the GPL contingent to compete for playing time and demonstrate their readiness to contribute to the Black Stars as Ghana pursue qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.