Ghanaian footballer Antoine Semenyo has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad due to an ankle injury. The 26-year-old was part of Carlos Queiroz's 24-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, as well as a friendly match against Morocco. Semenyo's withdrawal is a significant blow to the team, especially after his impressive start to life at Manchester City. He scored twice and provided an assist in City's 5-3 Premier League victory over Sunderland on September 20.
Semenyo's absence further reduces Queiroz's attacking options ahead of a demanding international window. Ghana will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24. They will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium five days later, before traveling to Morocco for a friendly against the Atlas Lions on October 4. The Black Stars will have to rely on other forwards, including Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and captain Jordan Ayew.
This is not the only change to the squad, as Mohammed Kudus has also opted out of the upcoming qualifiers to continue his recovery and regain full fitness at Tottenham Hotspur. Kudus had returned to the team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury. Queiroz will now have to reorganise his attacking options ahead of the trip to Bouaké. The opening fixture carries added importance for Ghana as they begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament after missing the previous edition.
The Black Stars will face a tough challenge in their qualifying campaign, especially against Côte d'Ivoire, who are a formidable opponent. Ghana's coach, Carlos Queiroz, will have to come up with a new strategy to overcome the absence of Semenyo and Kudus. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Semenyo's withdrawal is a significant loss for the Black Stars, considering his impressive form at Manchester City. His absence will be felt, especially in the attacking department, where Ghana will have to rely on other players to step up and deliver. The team's fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the Black Stars perform in the upcoming qualifiers.
The Black Stars have a rich history in African football, and their fans expect them to perform well in the qualifiers. Ghana has won the AFCON tournament four times and has a strong squad, but they will have to work hard to overcome the challenges ahead. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be a test of their strength and determination.
The upcoming qualifiers will be a crucial test for the Black Stars, and they will have to be at their best to succeed. Ghana's fans will be behind them, cheering them on as they take on Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Morocco in the upcoming international window. The team's coach, Carlos Queiroz, will have to make the right decisions to ensure the team's success.
Key points
- Antoine Semenyo withdraws from Black Stars squad due to ankle injury
- Ghana begins 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia
- Black Stars face tough challenge in qualifiers without Semenyo and Kudus
