Carlos Queiroz’s plans for Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been heavily disrupted by injuries and player withdrawals, forcing the coach to make several changes to his original squad.

The Black Stars travelled to Côte d’Ivoire without several established players before returning to Accra to prepare for Tuesday’s meeting with The Gambia.

This piece explains the reasons behind the various withdrawals.

Mohammed Kudus

Kudus was initially named in the squad after recovering from the seven-month injury that ruled him out of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Eric Tinkler leaves Kotoko after two months in charge

However, the Tottenham forward later withdrew to continue his recovery and maintain his fitness programme.

Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo also pulled out after an ankle problem.

Reports indicated that the Manchester City forward had been dealing with persistent discomfort and withdrew to allow the injury to heal fully.

Jordan Ayew

The Black Stars captain travelled to Ghana and reported to camp, but a medical assessment changed the situation.

GFA president Kurt Okraku said an MRI scan detected an injury, leading the medical team to rule Ayew out of the qualifiers.

Thomas Partey

Partey is another major absence, with the midfielder unavailable because of a hamstring injury.

Baba Rahman

Baba reported to camp but was subsequently ruled out after medical checks. Kurt Okraku said the medical team advised both Baba and Jordan Ayew to focus on their clubs and recover properly.

Nathaniel Adjei

The Lorient defender was also unavailable through injury, removing another option from the defensive unit.

Prince Kwabena Adu

Adu’s availability was affected by a head injury suffered while playing for Viktoria Plzeň. He was subsequently unable to feature in the opening fixtures.

Alidu Seidu

Seidu was also among the players affected by the injury situation surrounding the squad. His status changed during the buildup as Queiroz made additional squad adjustments.

Alexander Djiku, injured against Côte d’Ivoire

Djiku had only recently returned to the Black Stars after missing the 2026 World Cup through injury, but his comeback has been interrupted again.

The Spartak Moscow defender started Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké but was forced off in the 71st minute after picking up an injury. Jonas Adjetey replaced him.

Djiku initially remained hopeful of recovering in time for Tuesday’s meeting with The Gambia, even saying he would do everything possible to be ready. However, medical assessments have now ruled him out of the Accra fixture.

His absence leaves Carlos Queiroz with another defensive decision to make ahead of a match Ghana must win to get their Group C campaign moving.

FKA/JKB

2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars Hold First Training Session Ahead of Côte d’Ivoire Clash