Kudus Returns to Spurs XI at Anfield but Misses Key Chance

Mohammed Kudus finally heard his name read out in a Tottenham starting lineup again in England – and it came on one of the toughest stages possible.

The Ghanaian forward made his first start for the London club on English soil in 257 days, thrown into the spotlight in Spurs’ League Cup third‑round clash with Liverpool at Anfield. He lasted 75 minutes in a tie that ended in a 3:1 defeat and Tottenham’s exit from the competition, MyJoyOnline reports.

For Kudus, this was about more than a cup run. It was a long-awaited chance to feel like a central figure again.

A big moment, a big miss

The 26-year-old looked eager from the outset, buzzing around the final third and trying to knit attacks together. His defining moment arrived in the 32nd minute.

Tottenham were already 0:1 down, chasing the game and under pressure from a Liverpool side that had settled quickly. A break opened up, the ball fell to Kudus in a promising position, and suddenly the away end held its breath.

This was the chance to drag Spurs level.

Instead, his effort flew over the bar from close range. A huge opportunity gone, and a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level.

Liverpool punished that wastefulness. They tightened their grip on the tie and never really let Tottenham back in. By the time the final whistle blew on a 3:1 home win, Spurs were out of the League Cup and Anfield was in full voice.

Kudus’ night ended in the 75th minute when he was replaced by new signing Savio, a change that underlined Tottenham’s need for fresh legs and fresh ideas as the game slipped away.

What it means for Ghana

The defeat will sting for Tottenham, but Kudus’ return to the starting XI sends a very different message back home.

After months without a start in England for Spurs, the forward’s inclusion from the first whistle is an encouraging sign for the Ghana national team setup. According to MyJoyOnline, Kudus is expected to be named in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia.

Match sharpness matters at international level. So does rhythm. Kudus now has both trending in the right direction again.

He left Anfield with a missed chance and an early cup exit. Ghana will be hoping he arrives for the qualifiers with something else: a point to prove.