• Spain-based Ghanaian midfielder Kwasi Sibo has earned a late call-up to the Black Stars squad
  • His invitation follows Ghana’s frustrating draw with lowly Chad on Thursday, September 4
  • The team will now look to bounce back from that setback as they prepare to take on Mali in their next World Cup qualifier

Kwasi Sibo has been handed a late invitation to join Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.

His call-up comes in the wake of the Black Stars’ frustrating 1-1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena, a result that left supporters disappointed and coach Otto Addo searching for answers in midfield.

Kwasi Sibo earns Black Stars call-up, Kwasi Sibo gets late call-up, Kwasi Sibo shines in Spain, Kwasi Sibo's club in Spain, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Ghana vs Mali.
Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo is a hard-working and dominant midfielder. Photo by NurPhoto.
Source: Getty Images

Kwasi Sibo handed a late Black Stars invitation

Sibo, 27, has been a standout performer for Real Oviedo.

Last season, he played a key role in their promotion push, helping the Spanish club secure La Liga football for the first time in years.

Read also

2026 World Cup qualifiers: Otto Addo explains why Ghana drew with Chad

His work rate, ability to shield the defence, and knack for breaking up play proved invaluable in their rise.

Watch highlights of Sibo’s performance in La Liga:

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The new campaign has seen him continue in the same vein, featuring in all three of Oviedo’s top-flight matches and holding his own against some of Spain’s toughest opponents, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.

His form has not only caught the eye in Europe but also opened the door for a maiden call to international duty.

Why Otto Addo needs Kwasi Sibo after Chad draw?

Originally overlooked in the 24-man squad, his inclusion now suggests the technical team realised a gap in the holding midfield role.

Against Chad, Elisha Owusu and Abdul Salis Samed struggled to maintain discipline and were guilty of ball-watching in the build-up to Celestine Ecua’s late equaliser.

Their below-par showing has made Sibo’s recall both necessary and timely.

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Ghana on the edge as Madagascar defeat CAR to blow Group I wide open

For the midfielder, who reached a full circle moment with Kylian Mbappe, this represents another chance to stamp his authority on the national team.

His tactical intelligence, energy, and composure could prove crucial as Ghana prepares to face a Mali side brimming with confidence after thrashing Comoros 3-0 on the same day the Black Stars dropped points, per Flashscore.

Elsewhere in Group I, Madagascar defeated the Central African Republic 2-0, tightening the race for qualification.

See the current standings of Group I:

With Ghana currently leading on 16 points, Madagascar lurks with 13, while Mali and Comoros both sit on 12.

Chad and the Central African Republic are already out of the running, but the battle at the top remains fierce.

Jordan Ayew celebrates goal, Black Stars draw with Chad, Ghana held to draw, Otto Addo explains draw, Kwasi Sibo called, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Ayew celebrates with his Black Stars teammates after scoring against Chad in the World Cup qualifiers on September 4, 2025. Photo credit: @GhanaBlackstars/X.
Source: Twitter

With three games left, including two on home soil, Ghana’s fate remains in their own hands.

Read also

Angry journalist calls Otto Addo “not a good coach” in resurfaced video after Ghana’s draw with Chad

Sibo’s arrival adds fresh competition in the middle of the park and could be the spark the team needs to bounce back strongly in front of their home crowd.

Otto Addo explains why Ghana drew with Chad

In a related report, YEN.com.gh noted that Black Stars coach Otto Addo broke down the reasons behind Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Chad.

The underwhelming result adds to his struggles, with the 50-year-old tactician currently managing just a 33.3% win rate in his second stint in charge of the national team.

Source: YEN.com.gh





Source: Yen.com.gh

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