Ghanaian midfielder Rahim Ibrahim has earned his first senior Black Stars call-up after receiving a late invitation for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
The 25-year-old Slovan Bratislava midfielder has been rewarded for his impressive form in Slovakia, as well as his performances in the UEFA Champions League.
Ibrahim recently made his league-phase debut in Europe’s elite competition, starting Slovan Bratislava’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. He played 59 minutes in the 6-1 defeat to the reigning European champions.
The midfielder also featured in all six of Slovan Bratislava’s Champions League qualifying matches as the Slovakian champions secured their place in the league phase.
His first senior Black Stars invitation represents another significant milestone in a career that began with Accra Lions before he moved to Slovakia, where he initially joined AS Trenčín in 2020.
Ibrahim later switched to Slovan Bratislava in 2025 and has since established himself as an important member of the club’s squad.
He becomes the latest addition to Carlos Queiroz’s squad following several changes ahead of Ghana’s opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Brandon Thomas-Asante was called up to replace the injured Prince Kwabena Adu, while Mohammed Fuseini was invited following Mohammed Kudus’ withdrawal from the squad to continue his recovery.
Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei has also withdrawn after suffering a hamstring injury during his club’s 2-1 defeat to Le Mans on Saturday.
For Ibrahim, the call-up represents another major step in a remarkable rise from Accra Lions to the UEFA Champions League and now the senior Ghana national team.
The Black Stars will face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
Ghana will then travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the Atlas Lions on October 4.
