2027 AFCONQ: Why Antoine Semenyo will miss Ivory Coast and Gambia games – Kurt Okraku
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says Antoine Semenyo spoke directly with head coach Carlos Queiroz before withdrawing from the Black Stars squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Manchester City forward was named in Ghana’s initial 24-man squad but pulled out ahead of the Group C […]
Ghana's Football Association president, Kurt Okraku, disclosed that Antoine Semenyo informed head coach Carlos Queiroz of his withdrawal from the Black Stars squad for the initial matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to injury. The Manchester City forward was initially included in Ghana's 24-man squad but decided to pull out before the Group C fixtures against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
Speaking on Asempa FM's Ultimate Sports Show, Okraku explained that Semenyo was willing to travel if necessary but his condition prevented him from doing so. The decision was made with the player's long-term recovery in mind, rather than asking him to travel for further tests. Semenyo is one of several high-profile players missing from the Ghanaian squad, including Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei, and Alidu Seidu.
The Black Stars arrived in Bouaké for their upcoming match against Ivory Coast, which is scheduled for 19:00 GMT. Ghana will then face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September. Somalia is the other team in Group C, and Ghana aims to secure a spot at the 2027 AFCON tournament after missing out on the 2025 competition in Morocco.
Queiroz's team will conclude their international window with a friendly against Morocco on 4 October.
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