Ghana head coach Otto Addo has sprung a few surprise exclusions from his 26-man squad that will face Mali and the Central African Republic in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers double-header.
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori is one of the most notable absentees from the Black Stars squad after struggling for game-time this past season.
Ofori failed to make a single appearance for the Buccaneers in the league during the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign, as injuries scuppered his progress. He did, however, feature three times during Bucs’ brief CAF Champions League run early in the season and even provided an assist.
Head coach Jose Riveiro has opted for Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi as his preferred number one and two instead, and this could also spell the end of Ofori’s career at the Mayfair outfit.
The 30-year-old Accra-born player will see his current contract with Pirates come to an end on June 30, even though the club still has an option to extend it for a further year.
Ofori last featured for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year, conceding twice in four minutes as Mozambique rallied from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw. Ghana subsequently crashed out in the group stage after finishing third with just two points.
Here’s the full squad:
Image provided courtesy of @ghanafaofficial on X
Ghana travels away to Mali on Thursday, June 6, before welcoming the CAR at home on Monday, June 10, at Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
