Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata has received his maiden Black Stars call-up after being named in Ghana's 26-man squad for the pivotal 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.
The 23-year-old centre-back is one of three first-time call-ups handed by interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who has rewarded the defender's impressive performances in the Ghana Premier League with an opportunity on the international stage.
Hamzata is also among the five home-based players included in the squad, alongside Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Samartex left-back Isaac Afful and Medeama SC duo Emmanuel Annor and Etse Dogli.
The Kotoko defender has been a commanding presence at the heart of the Porcupine Warriors' defence this season, establishing himself as one of the Ghana Premier League's most consistent centre-backs.
He has featured in nine league matches, scoring one goal, while playing a key role in Kotoko's defensive solidity with his composure, aerial dominance and strong reading of the game.
His outstanding displays have not gone unnoticed, with the Black Stars technical team rewarding his consistency with a deserved first senior national team invitation.
The call-up represents another significant milestone in Hamzata's rapidly rising career and gives him the chance to stake a claim for a regular place in Ghana's defence.
The Black Stars will take on Somalia in Matchdays Three and Four of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the first fixture scheduled for Thursday, November 12, before the return encounter on Monday, November 16. Both matches will be played at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi.
Ghana head into the two fixtures under pressure after suffering consecutive defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving the four-time African champions at the foot of Group C without a point.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, victories over Somalia have become essential as the Black Stars seek to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing out on the 2025 finals in Morocco—their first absence from the tournament since 2004.
For Hamzata, the upcoming qualifiers present the perfect platform to announce himself on the international stage while helping Ghana reignite its bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
