Ghana's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been dealt a significant blow with the news that captain Jordan Ayew will miss the team's opening matches. The Sheffield United forward suffered a knee injury and did not participate in training after reporting to camp on Monday. Further assessments, including a knee scan on Tuesday morning, confirmed his unavailability for the upcoming international fixtures.
Ayew's absence is the latest setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz, whose preparations have been disrupted by a series of withdrawals. The Black Stars will also be without Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Rahman Baba, Alidu Seidu, and Prince Kwabena Adu, all of whom have been ruled out for various reasons. At 34, Ayew remains one of Ghana's most influential and experienced players, having served the national team for over a decade and captaining the side through several major tournaments.
The Black Stars begin their Group C journey with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September. Ghana will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September. These matches carry added significance for the four-time African champions, who are seeking a return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the most recent AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Ayew's unavailability leaves Queiroz with another selection headache as he prepares for a crucial start to Ghana's AFCON qualifying campaign. The team's coach will have to find alternative solutions to ensure the team's success in the qualifiers. Ghana's squad depth will be tested as they aim to secure a positive result against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers are a crucial part of Ghana's football calendar, and the team's performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. The Black Stars have a rich history in African football, having won the continental title four times. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, and the team will be eager to make a statement in the qualifiers.
In addition to their AFCON qualifier against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, Ghana will also play a friendly match against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October. This match will provide an opportunity for Queiroz to test his team's mettle against a top opponent and make any necessary adjustments ahead of the qualifiers.
The injury blow to Ayew and the withdrawals of other key players have added to the challenges facing Ghana's national team ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The team's ability to adapt to these setbacks and secure a positive result will be crucial in their quest to return to the continental showpiece.
Key points
- Jordan Ayew will miss Ghana's opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to a knee injury.
- Ghana's preparations have been disrupted by a series of withdrawals, including Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Abdul Rahman Baba.
- The Black Stars begin their Group C journey with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September.
