Ghana’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers have been disrupted by a series of injury-related withdrawals, forcing head coach Carlos Queiroz to make several late changes to his squad.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia in Accra on Tuesday, September 29.
Queiroz disclosed that as many as 10 potential national team players were initially ruled out through injury, with a further eight players withdrawing shortly before the team’s departure for camp.
Among the notable absentees are captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Rahman Baba, Thomas Partey and Nathaniel Adjei.
Ayew withdrew shortly before the team’s departure after medical assessments revealed discomfort, while Kudus was excused from camp to continue his recovery from a prolonged injury layoff.
Semenyo, who has been in strong form for Manchester City, also withdrew after suffering an ankle problem. Baba Rahman reported to camp but was sent back following a medical assessment that found him unfit to play.
Partey is unavailable with a hamstring injury, while Adjei has also been ruled out with a hamstring problem. Prince Kwabena Adu and Alidu Seidu are among the other players affected by the withdrawals.
The injury crisis has forced Queiroz to reorganise his squad, with nine players receiving late call-ups.
The replacements include defenders Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Ebenezer Annan and Rockson Yeboah; midfielder Rahim Ibrahim; and forwards Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan.
Queiroz acknowledged the challenge posed by the late changes, stressing the importance of building a more stable core of players.
“You can’t change 7, 8, 10 players every time the national team plays and expect to succeed. We have to find a way to build the team around a core of players. Availability, commitment and accountability are key words for success,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, the Black Stars departed Accra on Wednesday morning for Bouaké ahead of Thursday’s opening Group C qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.
The team will then return to Ghana to face The Gambia as Queiroz begins his competitive campaign in charge of the Black Stars.
