Michael Baidoo, Francis Abu, two others receive late call-ups for Ghana v Sudan games

Elfsborg midfielder Michael Baidoo has received his first-ever call-up to the Black Stars ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, stepping in to replace the injured Thomas Partey. Baidoo’s inclusion is part of several changes to the squad as the team prepares for a crucial doubleheader against Sudan.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed on Monday night that Partey, along with Joseph Paintsil and Kingsley Schindler, will miss the matches due to injuries. As a result, Abu Francis, Jonas Adjetey, and Ibrahim Sadick have been called up as replacements. Abu comes in for Paintsil, Adjetey takes Schindler’s place, and Sadick fills in for Ibrahim Osman.

The Black Stars held their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium with 11 players, while the remaining squad members are expected to join the camp later on Tuesday for a second session. The first leg of the encounter against Sudan will take place on Thursday, October 10, at the Accra Sports Stadium, followed by the return fixture at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya on October 14.

Ghana is determined to turn things around in the qualifiers after a disappointing start, having suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola and a 1-1 draw against Niger in their previous matches.