Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia, according to a Myjoyonline report.
Semenyo asked to be excused from the September-October international window as he focuses on recovering from a niggling ankle injury.
The Manchester City forward was prepared to undergo independent checks on the injury through the Ghana Football Association (GFA), with the situation expected to be clarified further.
The 26-year-old has made an impressive start to the Premier League season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in five appearances for Manchester City.
Ghanasoccernet reports that Alidu Seidu has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad after being invited late by head coach Carlos Queiroz due to fitness concerns.
The 26-year-old defender was not included in Queiroz’s initial squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
However, he received a late invitation after squad changes but has now declined the call-up as he continues to manage his fitness.
Seidu recently secured a late loan move to French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, who exercised a transfer option to bring him in after several players suffered long-term injuries.
The Ghana international made his debut for Nice last Sunday in their 2-1 victory over Lille, coming off the bench to play 32 minutes.
With his fitness still being managed after the move, Seidu has opted not to join the Black Stars for the upcoming international assignments.
Ghanasoccernet reports again that Abdul Rahman Baba has been ruled out of the Black Stars squad. Baba reported for assessment after arriving in camp, but medical checks have confirmed that the experienced left-back is not fit to feature during the upcoming international window.
Baba was assessed by the Black Stars medical team after reporting to camp, with the medics confirming that he would be unable to play.
Baba’s withdrawal represents another setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is already dealing with a growing list of unavailable players ahead of Ghana’s crucial AFCON qualifiers.
The Black Stars are also without several other key players, including Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, who have all been ruled out of the current international assignment.
Ghana are preparing to open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Cote d’Ivoire in Bouaké before hosting The Gambia.
Ghana will be hoping the remaining players can stay fit and give Queiroz enough options to navigate what promises to be a demanding international window.
The Black Stars have responded to the latest absences with a number of late call-ups.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey are among the players added to the squad, while Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have received their first call-ups to the senior national team.
The Black Stars missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and will be determined to make a strong start to their qualification campaign for the next edition.
Ghana will travel to Bouake to face Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
The latest withdrawal leaves Queiroz with another change to make as he prepares the Black Stars for the opening AFCON qualifying fixtures.
