Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu believes the return of Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku will provide the Black Stars with a significant lift ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Both players missed Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign through injury but have been recalled for this month’s fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Agyemang-Badu said Kudus’ return is particularly important as Ghana prepare to cope without Thomas Partey.
“I think we need him at this particular time,” he said.
“Especially in this kind of game, when you are missing somebody like Partey, you need this kind of character to lead the team.”
The former Black Stars midfielder also expressed confidence that Kudus is ready to contribute despite recently recovering from injury.
“For the club to allow him to come means that he’s strong and gradually coming up,” he added.
“I don’t know the standard level of his fitness, but still, I think we need him.”
Agyemang-Badu also welcomed Djiku’s return, saying the experienced centre-back’s composure will strengthen Ghana’s defence.
“Everybody knows him,” he said.
“Unfortunately, before the World Cup, he got injured, but he came back and he was playing. We need the maturity at the back of our defence as well. So, it’s good for the team that both are here.”
Ghana begin their Group C qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, 24 September, before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.
The Black Stars will then face Morocco’s Atlas Lions in an international friendly on 4 October.
