Ghana’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been hitby a growing list of player absences, withcaptain Jordan Ayew reportedly set to miss the Black Stars’ opening matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Ayew arrived in Accra on Monday as the teamopened camp, but discomfort prompted further medical checks. Reports indicate that a scan conducted on Tuesday confirmed an injury thatis expected to rule the Sheffield United forward out of the opening qualifiers.
The development comes at an unfortunate time for new Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is beginning another competitive cycle with Ghana. The team will travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 before returning home to play The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. C
Ayew’s reported absence adds to a difficult injury and availability situation surrounding the squad. Mohammed Kudus has already withdrawn after deciding to continue his recoveryand regain full fitness with Tottenham Hotspur following a lengthy injury lay-off.
The Ghana Football Association has also announced additional squad changes following medical uncertainties, calling up players including Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Ebenezer Annan, Rockson Yeboah, Rahim Ibrahim, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan.
Other reported absentees include Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Prince Adu Kwabena and Nathaniel Adjei, further reducing the number of establishedoptions available to Queiroz.
The timing of these setbacks is particularly significant. Ghana’s qualification campaign begins with one of the most demanding fixtures in Group C, an away meeting withCôte d’Ivoire. The Black Stars then have only five days before facing The Gambia in Accra. Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia make up Group C, with the top two teams advancing to the 2027 tournament under thequalification format.
Ghana will therefore have little room for complacency, particularly with the teamseeking to put the disappointment of missing the previous AFCON tournament behind them.
For Queiroz, the challenge now is to reorganise his plans and make the most of the players available. The coach has already shown awillingness to introduce new faces, while several returning players were initially expected to strengthen the squad.
The absence of key figures such as Kudus and Ayew means greater responsibility will fallon the remaining attackers and midfielders to provide creativity, goals and leadership. At the same time, the new additions will have an opportunity to establish themselves at a crucial moment for the national team.
With the road to AFCON 2027 beginning this week, Ghana’s squad has been forced to adapt before even kicking a ball. The Black Stars will now have to rely on squad depth, tactical discipline and the emergingtalents brought into the group as they begin a campaign carrying significant expectations.
The opening double-header against Côted’Ivoire and The Gambia could provide an early indication of how Queiroz’s new-look Black Stars will respond to adversity.
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