Competition intensifies as Black Stars stars battle for World Cup places

Competition for places in Ghana's final 26-man World Cup squad has intensified following the opening of the Black Stars' training camp in Cardiff.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has invited 28 players for the World Cup preparation camp and friendly against Wales, leaving just two players to be cut before the final squad is submitted for the tournament.

The battle for places is expected to be fierce, particularly with several returning players seeking to reclaim their positions in the national team setup.

Baba Rahman is back after nearly three years away from international football, while Ernest Nuamah returns after recovering from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury. Abdul Mumin, Augustine Boakye and Alidu Seidu have also returned after extended spells on the sidelines.

Their inclusion increases competition across the squad and gives Queiroz additional options as he prepares for Ghana's World Cup campaign.

The camp also presents a major opportunity for Ajax youngster Paul Reverson, who will be hoping to impress enough to earn a place in the final squad despite his limited senior international experience.

Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak goalkeepers Benjamin Asare and Solomon Agbasi remain the only home-based players in the squad and will be eager to strengthen their case for selection.

The friendly against Wales on June 2 could prove decisive for several players as Queiroz weighs up his final choices ahead of the tournament.

Ghana will head to the World Cup with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages and face a challenging Group L campaign against Panama, England and Croatia. Before then, however, every player in Cardiff knows that their place in the final squad is still on the line.