Mohammed Kudus is set to take on a new leadership role as the Black Stars face Sudan in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match this Thursday evening. The 24-year-old West Ham United midfielder will not only wear the captain’s armband in the absence of senior players Andre Ayew and Thomas Partey, but he has also been handed the hallowed No. 10 jersey, traditionally worn by some of Ghana’s greatest football icons.
The decision by head coach Otto Addo to entrust Kudus with these responsibilities marks a significant milestone in the young midfielder’s career. Kudus has been in stellar form for both club and country, and his dynamism on the pitch has earned him widespread admiration. Addo’s confidence in Kudus was particularly evident when he chose the midfielder to lead the team, bypassing more senior squad members such as Jordan Ayew and Alexander Djiku.
The No. 10 jersey, synonymous with creative playmakers and leaders like Abedi Pele, has deep significance in Ghanaian football. Kudus now joins the ranks of the few players trusted with this jersey, signaling his growing influence within the Black Stars setup. His appointment as captain and his new jersey number highlight his rise as one of the team’s standout performers.
Ghana is set to host the first leg of the doubleheader against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg scheduled to take place in Benina, Libya, on October 15, 2024. The Black Stars currently sit third in Group F of the AFCON qualifiers, having secured only one point from two matches. Victory in both matches is crucial for Ghana’s chances of securing a spot in the 2025 tournament, which will be held in Morocco.
