Ghana squad announced for Mexico and USA friendlies: Ayew excluded, Partey and Lamptey return

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States, with some notable inclusions and exclusions.

Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has been left out of the squad. Despite being called up last month and featuring in a friendly against Liberia, Ayew, who is still without a club, has been dropped this time.

In contrast, deputy captain Thomas Partey has returned to the team after missing the September games due to injury. Partey has since recovered and has been included in the squad.

Another notable return is that of defender Tariq Lamptey, who last played for Ghana during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Lamptey has been struggling with injuries, leading to his absence from the team’s last five games.

Medeama defender Fatawu Hamid is the only home-based player named in the squad for the friendlies against Mexico and the United States.

Black Stars are set to face Mexico at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday, October 14, followed by a match against the United States of America on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.

These friendly matches are viewed as crucial for preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in November and the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

See full squad: