Jordan Ayew injury adds to Ghana’s growing list of absentees ahead of AFCON qualifiers

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is set to leave the Black Stars camp after a scan confirmed a knee problem, adding to the growing list of concerns for Carlos Queiroz ahead of Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ayew arrived in Accra on Monday to join his teammates but reported an issue with his knee. He underwent a scan on Tuesday morning, with the examination confirming a problem that is expected to rule him out of Ghana’s next two qualifiers.

The captain’s withdrawal comes after Ghana had already made several changes to the squad because of fitness concerns. Antoine Semenyo has also been forced out with an injury, while Abdul Rahman Baba reported to camp but was ruled out after undergoing a medical assessment.

Thomas Partey is another notable absentee. The experienced midfielder was left out of the original squad because of an injury, while Kamaldeen Sulemana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery.

Ghana have also had to deal with player availability for other reasons. Mohammed Kudus, who had initially returned to the squad after a lengthy injury lay-off, has now been affected by the latest changes surrounding the team, while several additional players have subsequently been called up by Queiroz.

The Ghana Football Association has added Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Ebenezer Annan, Rockson Yeboah, Rahim Ibrahim, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan to the squad following the medical uncertainties.

The Black Stars begin their AFCON qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, before returning home to face The Gambia in Accra on September 29. Ghana are in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.

For Queiroz, the latest injury setback involving Ayew means Ghana will have to reshuffle their plans at a crucial moment. The skipper was expected to provide both leadership and experience as the Black Stars began their road towards the 2027 AFCON.

With several players now unavailable or doubtful, Ghana’s squad depth will be tested immediately as they prepare for two important qualifiers in the space of five days.