Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, is set to commence its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a severely depleted squad. Captain Jordan Ayew has become the latest player to withdraw from the team due to injury. Ayew, who plays for Sheffield United, reported to camp but was sent for a scan after experiencing discomfort and has subsequently been ruled out. The nature of his injury is reported to be either a knee or groin problem.
The withdrawals have complicated the situation for head coach Carlos Queiroz. Mohammed Kudus, a Tottenham Hotspur attacker, opted out of the squad to continue his recovery from a prolonged injury absence. Nathaniel Adjei of FC Lorient has also been officially ruled out due to injury. These withdrawals, coupled with Ayew's, have significantly impacted the team's preparation for the qualifiers.
Further injuries have affected the team, with Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City reportedly withdrawing due to a swollen ankle. Thomas Partey, currently playing for Al Shabab, is unavailable because of a hamstring problem. Experienced full-back Abdul Rahman Baba has also been reported as ruled out due to injury concerns. Prince Kwabena Adu of Viktoria Plzeň remains a concern after suffering a head injury.
The list of unavailable or under assessment players includes Alidu Seidu, who was drafted into the squad after Jan Gyamerah withdrew due to injury, but is now also out. The full picture of those unavailable or under assessment is as follows: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur) - withdrawn; Nathaniel Adjei (Lorient) - withdrawn; Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzeň) - injury concern; Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) - reportedly withdrawn; Abdul Rahman Baba (PAOK) - reportedly ruled out; Thomas Partey (Al Shabab) - unavailable; Alidu Seidu (OGC Nice) - reported injury concern; Jordan Ayew (Sheffield United) - withdrawn.
Ghana will open its qualifying campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before returning home to face The Gambia in Accra on September 29. In response to the multiple withdrawals, Carlos Queiroz has added nine players to the squad. These additions include four defenders, one midfielder, and four forwards from clubs across Europe and Asia.
The nine additions to the squad are part of Queiroz's efforts to strengthen the team ahead of the crucial double fixture. This move aims to mitigate the impact of the withdrawals and ensure the team remains competitive in the qualifiers. The Black Stars are looking to secure a spot in the 2027 AFCON, and these upcoming matches are critical in their campaign.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by the Black Stars in the lead-up to the AFCON qualifiers. With key players out, the team will have to adapt quickly to remain competitive. The coaching staff and players will be working to assemble a cohesive unit capable of securing positive results against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
Key points
- Captain Jordan Ayew has withdrawn from Ghana's Black Stars squad due to injury.
- Several key players, including Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, have also withdrawn or been ruled out.
- Ghana faces Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers on September 24 and 29, respectively.
