Ghanaian footballer Antoine Semenyo has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad for the September-October 2026 international window. The Manchester City forward is dealing with a swollen ankle that has been causing him discomfort. This development was confirmed on September 22, just two days before Ghana's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d'Ivoire. As a result, Semenyo will miss the away match in Bouaké on September 24, the home fixture against The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium on September 29, and a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on October 4.
Semenyo's withdrawal follows his recent strong display for Manchester City, where he scored twice and added an assist in a 5-3 Premier League win over Sunderland. This performance had made him a reliable attacking option for Ghana's coach, Carlos Queiroz. However, the 26-year-old asked the technical team to excuse him to manage the injury properly and avoid a longer absence. This decision is part of a larger trend of players prioritizing their club commitments and managing their physical condition.
The timing of Semenyo's withdrawal is significant, given his recent form and the importance of the upcoming matches for Ghana. The Black Stars are set to face a Côte d'Ivoire side that is expected to provide one of the sterner tests in Group C. The team will have to rely on other forwards and late call-ups to carry the responsibility in the qualifiers. This development is a blow to Queiroz's plans, as Semenyo was part of his original 24-man squad.
Semenyo's injury is not the only concern for the Black Stars, as Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei have also withdrawn from the squad due to injury concerns. Kudus, who plays for Tottenham, opted out to protect his recovery after a lengthy injury layoff, while Adjei suffered a hamstring problem. These absences have forced the coaching staff to call up nine additional players at short notice.
Carlos Queiroz has treated similar cases as questions of player welfare and coordination with clubs rather than disputes. The coach has prioritized the recovery process for players, as seen in Kudus's case, where he played more than 70 minutes for Tottenham. The same logic applies to Semenyo's ankle issue, and the forward will return to Manchester City to continue treatment.
The Black Stars will have to open Group C without several established attackers, which could make the qualifying journey more challenging. Ghana failed to reach the previous Africa Cup of Nations, and the team will look to start the qualifying campaign with a positive result against Côte d'Ivoire. The remaining forwards and late call-ups will carry greater responsibility in the upcoming matches.
Semenyo's withdrawal is a common trend among Premier League-based African players, who often prioritize their club commitments and manage their physical condition. The forward will return to Manchester City to continue treatment and remain available once domestic football resumes. This development highlights the challenges faced by national teams in managing player availability and welfare.
Key points
- Antoine Semenyo withdraws from Ghana's Black Stars squad due to a swollen ankle injury.
- The withdrawal follows his recent strong display for Manchester City and is part of a larger trend of players prioritizing their club commitments.
- The Black Stars will have to rely on other forwards and late call-ups in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
