Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has withdrawn from Ghana’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a medical scan confirmed an injury.
Ayew arrived in camp on Monday, September 21, but reported discomfort and underwent medical examinations on Tuesday. He is now expected to leave the squad and begin his recovery.
The 35-year-old forward had been named in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for Ghana’s opening Group C qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Ghana travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. The Black Stars will then face Morocco in an international friendly in Tangier on October 4.
Reports differ on the precise nature of Ayew’s injury, with some describing it as a knee problem and others reporting a groin injury. The available reports agree that a medical assessment has ruled him out of the upcoming international fixtures.
His withdrawal adds to a growing list of absences affecting Queiroz’s preparations. Mohammed Kudus, Nathaniel Adjei and Antoine Semenyo are among the players who have also become unavailable, while Baba Rahman has been ruled out following a medical assessment. (Ghana News Agency)
The Ghana Football Association has already expanded the squad with nine additional players following medical uncertainties. The additions 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. (Ghana Football Association)
Ayew’s withdrawal means Queiroz will have to adjust his attacking options before Ghana begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in Côte d’Ivoire.