Ghana have been handed an encouraging boost ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Mohammed Kudus made his first start of the season for Tottenham Hotspur.
The 26-year-old was named in Tottenham’s starting line-up for their EFL Carabao Cup meeting with Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, ending a wait of 257 days since he last began a match for the club.
Kudus had been restricted to appearances from the bench in Tottenham’s Premier League matches this season, but head coach Roberto De Zerbi gave the Ghana international an opportunity from the start against the Premier League champions.
The appearance represents an important step in Kudus’ return to regular football after missing the 2026 World Cup tournament in North America because of injury.
Despite his long absence from Tottenham’s starting XI, Kudus showed little indication of being short of match sharpness during his time on the pitch.
He was active in attack and had an opportunity to score in the first half as Tottenham attempted to respond to Liverpool’s opening goal.
With Tottenham 1-0 down, Kudus found himself in a promising position in the 32nd minute and had a chance to bring his side level. However, he was unable to convert the opportunity, sending his effort over the crossbar from close range.
The Ghanaian continued to feature until the 75th minute, when De Zerbi brought his evening to an end by replacing him with new signing Savio.
Tottenham ultimately failed to progress in the competition, with Liverpool winning 3-1 at Anfield to eliminate De Zerbi’s side from the Carabao Cup.
The result meant Kudus’ first start of the campaign ended in defeat, but his return to the starting line-up provides Ghana with encouraging news as the national team prepares for its next competitive fixtures.
Kudus is expected to be included in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
His increased involvement at club level could be particularly significant for the Black Stars following his absence from the 2026 World Cup.
Before Tuesday’s match, Kudus had not started a game for Tottenham this season. His appearances had come from the substitutes’ bench during the club’s Premier League campaign, making the decision to select him from the beginning against Liverpool a notable moment in his return.
The midfielder’s 75-minute outing also gave him valuable playing time against one of the leading sides in the Premier League.
Although he did not find the net, his chance in the 32nd minute demonstrated his ability to threaten Liverpool’s defence, while his continued presence on the pitch until the final quarter of the match provided further evidence of his growing involvement.
For Ghana, the timing of Kudus’ return to the Tottenham starting XI is significant. The Black Stars are preparing for their opening fixtures in the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia standing between them and a positive start.
Kudus’ availability will therefore be welcomed by Queiroz as he prepares his squad for those matches.
The Tottenham forward’s road back to regular first-team football began with appearances from the bench before De Zerbi handed him a starting role against Liverpool.
His return came after an extended period without a start, with 257 days having passed since he last began a match for Tottenham.
Kudus now has the opportunity to build on Tuesday’s appearance and continue regaining his place in Tottenham’s starting line-up.
While the 3-1 defeat meant Tottenham’s Carabao Cup campaign came to an end, the match provided Kudus with his longest opportunity yet to demonstrate his fitness and readiness after his injury absence.
For Ghana, the key development is that one of their important attacking players has returned to a starting role at club level.
With the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia approaching, Kudus’ continued involvement with Tottenham will be closely followed as Queiroz prepares his squad.
