Arsenal and former Atletico Madrid midfield maestro, Thomas Partey is set for a Black Stars return since October 2023 in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualification clash against Mali and Central African Republic.
The Ghana deputy captain was excused from the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in January and friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March due to fitness reasons.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder made his last appearance with the senior national team in their 2-0 and 4-0 losses against Mexico and the United States of America, respectively, in the October friendlies.
However, the 30-year-old has fully recovered and has been instrumental in Arsenal’s title quest ahead of the final day of the season on Sunday in a must-win match against Everton, hoping for favorable results in the Manchester City vs West Ham United game at the Etihad Stadium.
His return to full fitness and form is a massive boost for the Black Stars, who are chasing a first win in 2024 following a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year, with the team failing to qualify from the group stages for a second time in a row after just picking up two points in Group B.
Ghana coach Otto Addo will include the experienced midfielder in his squad as the Black Stars chase another World Cup participation.
The four-time African champions will travel to Bamako to face Mali on June 6 before engaging the Central African Republic four days later in Kumasi.
The Black Stars won their first game of the qualifiers against Madagascar before suffering a shocking defeat in Moroni to Comoros.
Can Thomas Partey’s presence in Ghana’s midfield help the nation pick up their first win in 2024?
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Story by: Rabbi Adu Agyei| univers.ug.edu.gh
