Ghana's Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has explained the decision to leave Mohammed Kudus out of the squad for the upcoming games against Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, and Morocco. Kudus was initially included in the 24-man squad list but later withdrew due to a need for more recovery time after playing 70 plus minutes for his club Tottenham Hotspur against Aston Villa.
According to Queiroz, the decision to replace Kudus with Mohammed Fuseini was made to ensure the player's full recovery. The Portuguese trainer stated that the coaching team had conversations with Kudus and decided it would be best for him to rest and recover properly. Queiroz emphasized that the coaching team has to make decisions based on the information they have.
Ghana will face Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before taking on Morocco in an international friendly. The team's immediate target is to qualify for the 2027 AFCON. Queiroz has been keen to stress the importance of focusing on the next game.
Kudus's withdrawal from the squad was a late development, with Mohammed Fuseini receiving a late call-up. Another player, Prince Adu Kwabena, is a major doubt for Ghana's upcoming games due to a head injury. The team's preparations have been hit with some challenges, but Queiroz remains focused on the task at hand.
Queiroz has been under scrutiny lately, with some critics questioning his tactics and team selections. However, the Portuguese trainer remains confident in his approach, stating that he will not change his style after 47 years of coaching. He emphasized that the most important trophy now is the next game.
The Black Stars have been dealing with some injury concerns, with Thomas-Asante receiving a late call-up for the September-October games. Godwin Attram has also replaced Desmond Ofei as assistant coach. The team's captain, Agyemang-Badu, has urged the Ghana Football Association and Sports Ministry to disclose Queiroz's contract terms.
Queiroz's contract terms have been a subject of discussion, with some stakeholders calling for transparency. The coach has been tasked with qualifying Ghana for the 2027 AFCON and making progress in the tournament. His ability to achieve these targets will likely determine his future with the Black Stars.
Key points
- Mohammed Kudus was left out of the Black Stars squad to allow him to recover fully from his recent game for Tottenham Hotspur.
- Ghana's Black Stars will face Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before taking on Morocco in an international friendly.
- Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz remains focused on qualifying for the 2027 AFCON despite some challenges and criticisms.
