2027 AFCONQ: Player absences have complicated our preparations – Carlos Queiroz

Ghana's head coach Carlos Queiroz has disclosed that a substantial number of player absences have complicated his team's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. At a press conference before the qualifiers in Accra, Queiroz stated that he initially identified only 12 players as potential call-ups. "When I started this journey, at the beginning, I looked at my paper, and I had 12 players out of the potential call-ups immediately.

This is not a good starting point," he remarked. Additionally, Ghana had already lost eight players before preparations for the opening match, further complicating their situation. "One day before you start camp for Ivory Coast, you lose eight players. This is not a good starting point," Queiroz added. The squad losses included Nathaniel Adjei and Prince Kwabena Adu, who withdrew due to injuries, forcing Ghana to make adjustments.

Mohammed Kudus, who had been recalled after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the World Cup, has also withdrawn as he continues his recovery and strives to regain full fitness. Queiroz emphasized that players must be active at club level and fully prepared physically to be considered for the national team. "There is always one general principle that we consider fundamental at this stage, except in exceptional circumstances: players should be in competitive action, physically prepared and fully ready to play for the national team."

Ghana's qualifying campaign kicks off with a challenging match against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24. They will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27, aiming to gain early momentum in Group C. Following the qualifiers, Ghana will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4.