By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Sept. 22, GNA – Ghana have named a 20-man provisional squad to begin preparations for the 2026 World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup in Mexico.
The tournament would be held in San Juan de los Lagos from November 13-22, 2026, and would feature 24 national teams competing for the world title.
The squad, announced by the national team coaching staff, includes three goalkeepers and 17 outfield players drawn from clubs in Ghana and Türkiye.
Final selections for the World Cup squad are yet to be made.
Ghana’s Black Challenge head into the tournament on the back of a strong run of success on the continent.
They won the African Amputee Football Championship in Tanzania in 2021 after defeating Liberia 3-2 in the final.
The team added another major title in 2023 when they claimed gold at the inaugural African Para Games in Accra, beating Morocco 2-1 before home supporters.
A year later, Ghana retained the African amputee football crown with another 2-1 victory over Morocco in Cairo, securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Their achievements have established the Black Challenge among the leading amputee football nations in Africa as they prepare to face global competition in Mexico.
Goalkeepers named in the provisional squad are Razak Seidu of Asanteman AFC, Atsu Abor of Global AFC and Richmond Fosu of Talent Hour Discovery.
The outfield contingent includes Isaac Kwabena Eshun, Issah Jabel and Amidu Rafiu of Asanteman AFC, while Gye Nyame AFC contributes Timothy Hayford, Prince Nyarko and Emmanuel Osei Kwadwo. Joseph Baidoo of Our Hope AFC is also included.
Players based in Türkiye account for a significant portion of the squad, with Sahinbey represented by Yussif Yahaya, Richard Arthur Opentil, Mohammed Mubarik and Hamza Mohammed. Konya players Richard Ekwam, Samson Larbi Sarfo and Fuseini Iddi were also selected, alongside Emmanuel Allotey of Sisli Yeditepe.
Joseph Amoh and Collins Gyamfi complete the provisional squad.
The National Paralympic Committee called on the public, corporate bodies and the wider sporting community to support the team as preparations continue for the World Cup.
The Black Challenge would be seeking to translate their continental success onto the global stage when they compete in Mexico next November.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
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