Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, has been dealt a fresh blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying fixture against The Gambia on September 29. Defender Alexander Djiku, who sustained an injury during Ghana's 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, has been officially ruled out of the match. Djiku's absence adds to head coach Carlos Queiroz's defensive concerns as Ghana seeks to secure their first points of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Djiku had hoped to recover in time for the second qualifier but has been unable to overcome the setback. The experienced defender was withdrawn during Ghana's opening Group C match, and initial hopes of a swift recovery have since been extinguished. His absence hands Queiroz a selection headache, with adjustments required in the back line as Ghana attempts to regroup after a difficult start to the campaign.
The timing of Djiku's withdrawal is particularly frustrating for the 30-year-old, who had only recently been reintegrated into the Black Stars squad after missing the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury. His return had been seen as a boost to Ghana's defensive options heading into the AFCON qualifying rounds. Djiku provides composure and leadership at the back, and his absence will test the depth of Ghana's defensive resources.
Ghana will welcome The Gambia to the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday evening, knowing that points are essential to keep their qualification hopes alive. Having taken nothing from their opening match against the Ivorians, Queiroz's side cannot afford another slip in front of their home support. The Black Stars have now gone seven straight qualifying matches without a win, following their latest setback in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Djiku's withdrawal has sparked concerns about Ghana's defensive solidity, and how Queiroz will reconfigure his rearguard is likely to be one of the key tactical questions heading into the fixture. The Black Stars coach will have to make adjustments to his defensive lineup, which may include introducing new players or altering the team's formation.
Ghana's AFCON qualifying struggles have continued, with the team's recent performances failing to inspire confidence. A prediction made by a rival coach three years ago has resurfaced following Ghana's latest setback in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Black Stars will be looking to turn their fortunes around against The Gambia, but Djiku's absence will undoubtedly be felt.
The Black Stars' coaching staff and players will be working to address the defensive concerns and find a solution to their AFCON qualifying woes. With the team's next match against The Gambia fast approaching, Queiroz will be keen to finalize his defensive lineup and make the necessary adjustments to secure a positive result.
Key points
- Alexander Djiku has been ruled out of Ghana's AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia due to injury.
- Djiku's absence adds to Ghana's defensive concerns ahead of the match.
- Ghana has gone seven straight qualifying matches without a win, following their latest setback in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
