Ghana: Mohamed Kudus and several absences from the Black Stars squad

Ghana have had to revise their squad just days before beginning their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. Head coach Carlos Queiroz is dealing with several absences linked to injuries, fitness levels and last-minute withdrawals. The most notable case concerns Mohammed Kudus, who will ultimately not take part in this international window.

The Tottenham attacking midfielder had been included in the initial squad after missing the 2026 World Cup because of a long-term injury. Having returned to action with his club after around seven months out, Kudus ultimately chose to continue his recovery and gradually regain his best physical condition before returning to the Black Stars. Carlos Queiroz confirmed that the player and the staff had opted for this approach to avoid a relapse.

Kudus is not the only player affected. Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei is also ruled out through injury. The player had nevertheless returned to the national team after nearly a year away, following a series of strong performances in Ligue 1.

Prince Adu Kwabena is also a doubt after suffering a head injury during Viktoria Plzen's match against Slavia Prague. The forward was expected to be part of the squad called up for this international window, but his situation still requires a medical assessment. Jan Gyamerah is also among the players affected by the changes surrounding the squad.

Reinforcements called up at short notice

To address these absences, the Ghanaian staff have activated several solutions. Five reinforcements have been confirmed by Carlos Queiroz: Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ebenezer Anang, Mohammed Fuseini, Jonas Adjetey and Alidu Seidu. The coach also indicated that two other players, a centre-back and a centre-forward, were still awaiting confirmation.

In attack, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Mohammed Fuseini strengthen the available options. Fuseini arrives in particular after a notable start to the season with Derby County, where he is on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise. The forward scored his first goal for the English club last weekend, equalising in stoppage time against Burnley to secure a 1-1 draw.

Mohammed Fuseini is already familiar with the Ghana national team. He made his Black Stars debut during the 2025 Unity Cup and scored against Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place match. His return therefore comes at a time when Queiroz must quickly find attacking solutions.

In defence, Jonas Adjetey and Alidu Seidu add to the coach's options. Seidu has recently regained playing time at club level, a factor that meets Queiroz's criteria, as he insists on the need to call up players who are active and sufficiently well prepared physically. Ebenezer Anang is also among the reinforcements announced for the defensive unit.

Read also: Ghana: Asamoah Gyan joins the Black Stars' coaching staff

A first match against Côte d'Ivoire

These changes come at a particularly tight moment for Ghana. The Black Stars must travel to Bouaké on September 24 to face Côte d'Ivoire in their first qualifying match. They will then host Gambia in Accra on September 29, before ending this international window with a friendly against Morocco on October 4 in Tangier.

Carlos Queiroz therefore has little time to integrate the newcomers. The Portuguese coach himself acknowledged that the schedule leaves virtually no room for a lengthy preparation period: the players meet at the beginning of the week and must quickly prepare for the trip to Côte d'Ivoire.

Ghana therefore enters this campaign with a reshuffled squad, notably affected by the absence of Kudus and several players initially selected. For Queiroz, the immediate objective is to have a sufficiently competitive squad for the first two matchdays while avoiding risks with players who are still recovering.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations