2025 AFCONQ: Mohammed Kudus to captain Black Stars against Sudan

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has announced that Mohammed Kudus will wear the captain’s armband for the Black Stars in their upcoming AFCON qualifying fixtures against Sudan.

The West Ham United forward will lead the team in the first leg of the doubleheader, which will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Addo, 45, confirmed the captaincy switch, noting Kudus’ leadership qualities and influence on the team. This change comes in the absence of key players, including Thomas Partey, who is sidelined due to a medical condition, and Richard Ofori, the second deputy captain, who has not played since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite Jordan Ayew being the most experienced player in the squad, the responsibility of leading the team will fall to Kudus, who has already earned 36 caps and scored 11 goals since his national team debut in 2019.

The Black Stars are determined to bounce back after a lackluster start to their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign, where they lost 1-0 to Angola and drew 1-1 with Niger.

The return fixture against Sudan is scheduled for Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Jediane as part of Matchday 4 in the qualifiers.