Rahim Ibrahim receives late Black Stars invitation for AFCON qualifiers

Ghana's head coach Carlos Queiroz emphasizes that winning the upcoming match against Côte d’Ivoire is the team's primary objective as they commence their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Black Stars are set to face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, marking the start of their Group C fixture. Following that, they will host The Gambia in Accra on September 29.

Queiroz stresses that the team must not overlook their first assignment, with the immediate goal being to secure a victory in their next game. "There is always a new challenge," Queiroz remarks, "for me the most important trophy at this moment is the next game, to win the next game." He further clarifies, "You cannot be on the top roof of Accra without climbing the steps of the building, and the steps for us now are to win the next game."

The Ghanaian squad has faced setbacks due to injuries, with Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei announcing their withdrawal. Thomas Partey also did not receive an invite due to hamstring concerns. To compensate, Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Mohammed Fuseini, and Brandon Thomas-Asante were called up as replacements. Before confronting the Gambian side, Ghana must overcome a challenging journey to Bouaké, focusing on their task to return to the AFCON after their absence in the 2025 tournament.