Kudus Shines as Liverpool Eliminates Spurs from League Cup

Mohammed Kudus finally heard his name in a Tottenham starting XI again in England – and it had been a long time coming. 257 days, to be exact.

The Ghanaian forward was handed a rare start as Spurs travelled to Anfield for their English League Cup third-round clash with Liverpool, a stage and a stadium that rarely forgive rust.

Kudus, 26, lasted 75 minutes and threw himself into the contest, showing flashes of sharp movement and intent. His big moment came in the 32nd minute. Tottenham were already 1–0 down, chasing the game, when the ball broke for him in a promising position. From close range, with the away end urging him on, he leaned back and sent his effort over the bar.

It was the kind of chance that can swing a cup tie. It went begging. Liverpool stayed in control.

As the minutes ticked by, Spurs pushed but never quite found the precision they needed. The pressure from the home side eventually told, and by the time Kudus was withdrawn in the 75th minute for new signing Savio, the tie was slipping away from the London club.

Liverpool went on to complete a 3–1 victory, ending Tottenham’s League Cup campaign on the night and leaving Kudus’ return overshadowed by the result.

A Timely Reminder for Ghana

For Ghana, though, the sight of Kudus starting and getting substantial minutes offers something different: encouragement.

His inclusion from the first whistle is being viewed as a positive sign ahead of the Black Stars’ upcoming commitments. MyJoyOnline reports that Kudus is expected to be named in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia.

He didn’t find the net at Anfield. He didn’t rescue Spurs. But after 257 days waiting for a start in England, Kudus is back on the pitch, back in the conversation – and, for Ghana, possibly back just in time.