Ghana squad announced for Mexico and USA friendlies: Ayew excluded, Partey and Lamptey return

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has named a 23-man squad for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States, with some significant selections and exclusions.

Captain Andre Ayew of the Black Stars has been left out of the squad. Despite being called up last month and playing in a friendly against Liberia, Ayew has been dropped this time.

Deputy captain Thomas Partey, on the other hand, has returned to the team after missing the September games due to injury. Partey has since recovered and rejoined the squad.

Tariq Lamptey, a defender who last played for Ghana in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is another remarkable return. Lamptey has been dealing with ailments, which has kept him out of the team's last five games.

Fatawu Hamid of Medeama is the sole local player picked to the roster for the friendlies against Mexico and the United States.

The Black Stars will face Mexico on Saturday, October 14, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, followed by a match against the United States of America on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.

These friendlies are seen as critical for preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in November and the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.