Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, has suffered a significant blow ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Defender Abdul Rahman Baba has withdrawn from the squad due to injury concerns. Baba, who plays for PAOK, reported to the Black Stars camp and underwent a medical assessment, but was found unfit to participate in the upcoming international window.
Baba's withdrawal adds to the growing list of absentees for head coach Carlos Queiroz. The team is already missing several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, who have all been ruled out of the current international assignment. This development will undoubtedly pose a challenge for Queiroz as he prepares his team for the crucial Group C fixtures.
Ghana's first qualifying match is against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24. The team will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27. The Black Stars are seeking a return to the AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco. The team will also play a friendly match against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4.
Another player who has withdrawn from the squad is Alidu Seidu, who recently joined French club OGC Nice on loan from Stade Rennais. Seidu's withdrawal further reduces Queiroz's defensive options ahead of the opening matches. The coach will have to rely on the remaining players to deliver a positive result in the qualifying campaign.
The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign is a crucial one for Ghana, and the team will be eager to make a strong start. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C, alongside Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and other teams. A good performance in the qualifying campaign will not only boost the team's chances of advancing to the tournament but also enhance their reputation in African football.
Baba Rahman's withdrawal is a significant setback for the team, considering his experience and skills on the pitch. The team will have to find a way to cope with his absence and still deliver a strong performance in the qualifying campaign. The coaching staff will have to work with the remaining players to develop a strategy that will ensure a positive outcome.
The Black Stars' coaching staff and players will have to work together to overcome the challenges posed by the withdrawals. The team's performance in the qualifying campaign will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, and a strong showing will be essential in boosting the team's morale and reputation in African football.
Key points
- Baba Rahman's injury forces him to withdraw from Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifying squad
- Ghana already missing several key players, including Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo
- The Black Stars begin their qualifying campaign against Côte d'Ivoire on September 24
