Jordan Ayew pulls out of the Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers

Skipper Jordan Ayew has reportedly pulled out of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming September-October international window.

Ayew had been included in Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, set to face Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia on September 24 and 29, 2026, respectively.

However, sources suggest that the captain will not participate as he is dealing with a groin injury.

His decision raises concerns for Queiroz, who is already grappling with player availability ahead of his first competitive matches since returning to lead the Black Stars.

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Earlier, Mohammed Kudus also withdrew to continue his recovery and regain full fitness with Tottenham Hotspur after an extended injury lay-off. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since announced the inclusion of additional players, such as Antoine Semenyo, due to medical uncertainties within the original squad.

Ayew’s absence is particularly impactful given his leadership role and experience within the team.

Ghana began camp in Accra on Monday, September 21, 2026, with Queiroz commencing preparations for the match against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, followed by the home fixture against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars face multiple adjustments to the line-up, as the GFA has added nine more players due to concerns over the availability of some original selections.