Kudus Returns to Tottenham XI After 257 Days, Liverpool Wins
Mohammed Kudus finally heard his name in a Tottenham starting lineup again in England – and it came on one of the most unforgiving stages in the country.
The Ghanaian forward made his first start for the London club in 257 days, lining up at Anfield in a third-round English League Cup clash against Liverpool, as reported by MyJoyOnline. For Kudus, it was more than just another midweek cup tie. It was a long-awaited return to the spotlight.
A Big Chance, A Big Miss
Tottenham fell behind early and chased the game for most of the night. Kudus, 26, worked hard across the front line, always looking to break into dangerous spaces and offer an outlet as Spurs tried to claw their way back.
His moment came in the 32nd minute.
With Liverpool 1–0 up and Tottenham searching for a response, the ball broke kindly for Kudus in the box. It was the kind of chance forwards dream about: close range, a clear sight of goal, a split second to change the tone of the evening.
He lifted it over the bar.
The opportunity to level the score slipped away, and with it, a major turning point for both player and team. Tottenham never quite managed to wrest control from Liverpool after that.
Subbed Off, Spurs Knocked Out
Kudus stayed on until the 75th minute, continuing to press and combine, but without the decisive touch Spurs needed. With the tie drifting away, the coaching staff turned to fresh legs and replaced him with new signing Savio.
Liverpool tightened their grip and ran out 3–1 winners, ending Tottenham’s League Cup campaign on the night and sending the visitors back to London with only frustration to show for their efforts.
For Kudus, though, there was at least one clear positive: a significant block of minutes, from the start, at one of the toughest grounds in England.
National Team Door Opens Again
That matters far beyond North London.
Kudus’ return to a starting role is being closely watched in Ghana. According to MyJoyOnline, the forward 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.
After months without a start for his club in England, he now has rhythm, fitness, and a fresh audition behind him. The miss at Anfield will sting, but the bigger question hangs over the horizon:
Is this the performance that nudges him back to the heart of the Black Stars’ attack?
