Thomas Partey has asserted that his experience equips him to lead the Black Stars in this month's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

Ghana is set to face Mali in Bamako on Thursday before hosting the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10, 2024. Partey's return is seen as a major boost for the team, following his absence from international football for nearly eight months.

The former Atletico Madrid star missed the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and two international friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda in March.

“I think I have been out for a while. I came back during the season and finished very well. I have played a lot of games for the national team and I know how we have to play,” Partey said in an interview with ghanafa.org.

“I know the system that the coach wants, and I think with the experience I have, I will be able to get the team together and also to lead the young players who are coming in to be able to get in quite easily.”

The 31-year-old will lead Ghana against Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Partey has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances since his debut in May 2016.