The Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, wrapped up their first training session at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca on October 6, 2025, as preparations intensify for their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday, October 8.
Head coach Otto Addo led 20 players in a tactical workout, focusing on fine-tuning strategies for the neutral-venue clash at Stade d’Honneur de Meknes, kickoff 16:00 GMT.l
The squad, assembled since October 4, includes a blend of Premier League stars and local talent, with the group traveling to Meknes later today.d2f4838e5c3e0e7568 Key absentees are injured duo Mohammed Salisu and Ernest Nuamah, but Addo has a robust lineup to chase qualification.2fc222
Squad Breakdown
Position
Players
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang
Defenders
Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Alexander Djiku
Midfielders
Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Joseph Paintsil, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Antoine Semenyo
Partey, returning from injury, anchors midfield, while Kudus and Semenyo lead the attack.5be49dd6e081
Match Context
Ghana tops Group I with 19 points from eight games, needing a win to secure a fifth World Cup berth—needing just one point for mathematical certainty, but aiming to top the group.
CAR, bottom with 4 points, poses a “tricky” threat per GFA’s Henry Asante Twum, having drawn 1-1 at home in June 2024.
The neutral Morocco venue, due to CAR’s lack of CAF-approved stadium, adds intrigue.
Addo, back since May 2025, eyes victory to set up the finale vs. Comoros on October 12 in Accra. Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif rallied fans: “We have to qualify at all costs.” With three sessions planned, Ghana’s form (unbeaten in qualifiers since a 1-0 loss to Comoros) favors a win, but complacency could cost dearly.
