Mohammed Kudus, the 26-year-old Tottenham forward, has reportedly withdrawn from Ghana's Black Stars squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures. He was named in Carlos Queiroz's 24-man squad on September 18, but has opted out of the qualifiers. Kudus had recently returned to competitive football after a lengthy injury layoff that kept him out of the 2026 World Cup.
Kudus's withdrawal represents a notable blow to Queiroz, who had earmarked him as one of the key figures in the side's fresh AFCON qualifying push. The Ghanaian forward spent approximately seven months sidelined before gradually resuming competitive action for Tottenham. He made three substitute appearances during his return before earning his first start since recovering from injury in Tottenham's Carabao Cup fixture against Liverpool.
Despite progress in his recovery, Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi had indicated earlier this month that Kudus was still building his way back to full physical condition. This assessment appears to have been a contributing factor in the decision to withdraw from international duty at this stage. The Black Stars are set to open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign on September 24 with an away fixture against Cote d'Ivoire in Bouaké.
Ghana will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. The team will also play an international friendly against Morocco on October 4. At the time of writing, the Ghana Football Association had not publicly announced a replacement for Kudus in the squad. Kudus's withdrawal is a significant setback for the Black Stars, who are looking to make a strong impression in the qualifiers.
Earlier, Mohammed Kudus had a goal ruled out by VAR during Tottenham's 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, September 19. The Premier League later confirmed the decision, citing an offside in the build-up to the Ghanaian's strike. Kudus's form has been closely watched by Ghana fans, who were expecting him to play a key role in the Black Stars' qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars' coach, Carlos Queiroz, had high hopes for Kudus's involvement in the team, but his withdrawal has forced him to reconsider his plans. The Ghana Football Association is yet to comment on the development, but it is understood that the team will continue to prepare for the qualifiers without Kudus. The 2027 AFCON qualifiers are an important milestone for Ghana, who are looking to make a strong impression on the continent.
The news of Kudus's withdrawal has been met with disappointment from Ghana fans, who were looking forward to seeing him in action for the Black Stars. The team will need to regroup and adjust their strategy ahead of the qualifiers, which are expected to be tough challenges for Ghana. The Black Stars will be looking to make a strong start against Cote d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
Key points
- Mohammed Kudus withdraws from Black Stars squad due to fitness concerns
- Withdrawal a significant blow to Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign
- Black Stars to play Cote d'Ivoire and The Gambia in upcoming qualifiers
