AFCON 2027 Qualifiers, Ghana hit by major withdrawals ahead of Ivory Coast clash

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Ghana’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered a major setback, with several key players withdrawing from Carlos Queiroz’s squad due to injuries and fitness concerns.

Captain Jordan Ayew is the latest player to pull out after reporting to camp and undergoing a scan following discomfort. The Sheffield United forward has subsequently been ruled out of Ghana’s opening qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.

Ayew joins a growing list of players unavailable to the Black Stars, including Mohammed Kudus, who remains in London as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.

Nathaniel Adjei of FC Lorient has also been ruled out, while Antoine Semenyo has reportedly withdrawn after suffering a swollen ankle.

Other notable absentees include Thomas Partey, who is sidelined with a hamstring problem, and experienced full-back Abdul Rahman Baba, who has also been ruled out due to injury concerns.

Prince Kwabena Adu remains doubtful after sustaining a head injury, with his final status yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Alidu Seidu, who was called into the squad following Jan Gyamerah’s withdrawal, is also unavailable.

The series of withdrawals leaves Queiroz with a depleted squad as Ghana begins its campaign to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

The Black Stars will travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, before hosting The Gambia in Accra on September 29.

Player                                                     Club                                                                    Status

Mohammed Kudus                            Tottenham Hotspur                                      Withdrawn – continuing recovery

Nathaniel Adjei                                        Lorient                                                    Withdrawn – injury

Prince Kwabena Adu                         Viktoria Plzeň                                               Injury concern – head injury

Antoine Semenyo                              Manchester City                                     Reportedly withdrawn – swollen ankle

Abdul Rahman Baba                          PAOK                                                             Reportedly ruled out – injury

Thomas Partey                                   Al Shabab                                                     Unavailable – hamstring injury

Alidu Seidu                                        OGC Nice                             Reported injury concern – status to be confirmed

Jordan Ayew                                      Sheffield United                                                Withdrawn – injury

By: Paulina Armah/Radio1