Black Stars coach C.K Akonnor has named his 23 man squad for the upcoming friendly against Mali.

Ghana, who has been without a competitive game since November 2019 will play the Eagles of Mali on September 09, in Antalya, Turkey as part of the team’s preparations for the AFCON qualifier against Sudan.

The 46 year old tactician has handed debut call ups to France based Alexander Djiku who plays for Strasbourg, Yakubu Mohammed of Azam FC in Tanzania, Benson Anang of MSK Zilina in Slovakia, Emmanuel Lomotey of Amiens in France and youngster Kamal Deen who plays for Danish side Nordsjaelland.

Pyramid FC’s John Antwi has also finally been handed a call up by the Ghana Coach.

Turkey based Bernard Mensah makes a return to the team for the first time in five years. The game will come in handy for C.K Akonnor who is yet to play his first game since he was appointed new Coach of the Black Stars in February this year.

The conspicuously missing name from the list was China-based midfielder Mubarak Wakaso who has been a key cog for the national team since his debut in 2012.

Ghana’s all-time goalscorer Asamoah Gyan and Inter Milan outcast Kwadwo Asamoah were also not included.

Here is full Squad list below:

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg), Richard Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Razak Abalora (Unattached)

Full Backs: Benson Anang (Zilina FC), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Club), Yakubu Mohammed (Azam FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes)

Centre Backs: Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Joseph Aidoo (Celta de Vigo), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim)

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Bernard Mensah (Besiktas), Baba Iddrisu (RCD Mallorca)

Attackers/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Eugene Ansah (Hapoel Shmona), Jefferey Schlupp (Crystal Palace), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha FC), Kamal Deen (Nordsjaelland SC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax SC)