Antoine Semenyo Withdraws from Black Stars Squad Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

Ghana have suffered another major setback ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Antoine Semenyo withdrawing from the Black Stars squad due to injury. According to 3Sports, the Manchester City forward has been ruled out after suffering a swollen ankle, meaning he will miss Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.

Semenyo has made an impressive start to the new season and has established himself as one of Ghana’s important attacking options. His absence will therefore provide another challenge for head coach Carlos Queiroz as he prepares his team for a demanding international window.

The Black Stars are already without several key players, including Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, who have also withdrawn from the squad. Ghana are scheduled to begin their AFCON qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake before returning home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The qualifiers carry significant importance for the Black Stars, who missed out on the last Africa Cup of Nations tournament after a long run of consecutive appearances at the continental showpiece. Queiroz will now have to assess his remaining attacking options and determine how best to compensate for Semenyo’s absence.

The Portuguese coach could hand increased responsibility to other forwards in the squad as Ghana seek to start their qualification campaign on a positive note. With several established players unavailable, the Black Stars will need their remaining squad members to step up in the crucial fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.