2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars mass withdrawals must not be overstretched – GFA president Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has cautioned the media against overstating the number of withdrawals affecting the Black Stars prior to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. The team, which includes four-time African champions, faces challenges due to the absence of key players like Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei and Alidu Seidu, who are sidelined by injuries or personal matters.

Speaking on Asempa FM's Ultimate Sports Show, Okraku emphasized the authenticity of these absences and urged not to associate them with the Ghana Football Association or head coach Carlos Queiroz. According to Okraku, Ayew and Rahman were advised by their medical team to concentrate on their club duties. Semenyo's absence was a result of a physical reaction after a match for his club, while the club's medical history was taken into account by the federation.

In response to the injuries, Queiroz has adjusted the squad, bringing in Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Jonas Adjetey. Additionally, Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have made their first senior international appearances as Ghana aims to start anew after not qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. The team kicks off their qualifying campaign in Bouaké, where they will play against Côte d'Ivoire on September 24, followed by a friendly against Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27.