Ghana’s attacking strength weakened by triple blow before Cote d’Ivoire clash

Ghana will face Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake without three of their most influential attacking players, leaving manager Carlos Queiroz with a major selection problem for Thursday’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew are all unavailable for the match at the Stade de la Paix. Their absence deprives the Black Stars of pace, creativity and leadership as Cote d’Ivoire begin Herve Renard’s new tenure with a significantly changed squad.

Semenyo had arrived for the international break in excellent form after scoring twice in Manchester City’s 5-3 victory over Sunderland. However, the 26-year-old forward is still recovering from an ankle injury. His leg remained swollen after the match and he asked to continue his treatment in England.

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku later said Semenyo had spoken to Queiroz and was prepared to travel to Ghana for another examination if the coaching staff requested it. The decision was ultimately made to allow him to remain in England and continue his recovery.

Kudus was also included in Ghana’s original squad. The Tottenham player, who endured a lengthy injury lay-off last season and missed the 2026 World Cup, withdrew from the camp to complete his rehabilitation and regain full fitness.

His absence removes one of Ghana’s most effective players in the final third, particularly when it comes to creating openings and producing decisive moments in the final 30 metres.

Ayew, 35, had joined the squad on Monday and remains one of the dressing room’s key figures, as well as one of the most experienced internationals in the history of the Black Stars.

But after suffering pain, the captain underwent an MRI scan on Tuesday. The examination showed an injury that will rule him out against Cote d’Ivoire and the following fixture against The Gambia.

Ghana will therefore be without both their captain and a forward with extensive experience of high-profile African matches. The list of absentees also includes Thomas Partey, Baba Rahman and Nathaniel Adjei.

With injuries affecting several areas of the squad, Queiroz has already called up nine additional players.

Among those available to help rebuild Ghana’s attacking options are Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan.

Queiroz must now find an effective balance and enough attacking understanding without Semenyo, Kudus or Ayew, with the meeting against Cote d’Ivoire just hours away.