Ghana have secured a place among the 10 national teams shortlisted for the Men’s National Team of the Year award at the 2026 CAF Awards, with midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi also earning individual recognition in the Men’s Young Player of the Year category.
The Black Stars are among the nominees for the prestigious continental honour, joining Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.
Ghana’s inclusion provides recognition for the national team’s performances during the year and places the country among the leading contenders for one of the major honours at this year’s awards.
The nomination is further strengthened by Yirenkyi’s inclusion in the Young Player of the Year category following his impressive performances for Danish club FC Nordsjælland and his subsequent move to English side Coventry City.
The 20-year-old midfielder has also made his mark on the international stage, contributing to Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored the winning goal in the Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Panama.
Yirenkyi’s nomination gives Ghana representation in the individual category, highlighting the emergence of young talent alongside the national team’s continental recognition.
The Black Stars will face competition from nine other countries as they seek to claim the National Team of the Year award, while Yirenkyi will be hoping to translate his nomination into individual success.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria, where winners across the various categories will be announced.
By Jesse Otoo
