Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has reportedly asked to be excused from the Black Stars squad as he continues to recover from an ankle problem ahead of Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Semenyo was initially named in head coach Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
However, the Manchester City forward subsequently informed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that he was dealing with a persistent ankle issue and needed time to focus on his recovery.
According to reports, Semenyo was prepared to undergo further independent medical checks through the GFA to establish the extent of the injury and provide additional clarity on his condition.
The development means Semenyo will not be available for Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifying assignments, adding to the list of players currently unavailable to Queiroz.
Semenyo has made an impressive start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. Before his withdrawal from the national team, he had reportedly scored two goals and provided three assists in five appearances for Manchester City.
His absence therefore leaves the Black Stars with fewer attacking options as they prepare for a difficult start to their qualifying campaign.
Ghana will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before returning home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
The Black Stars will then face Morocco in an international friendly on October 4 as part of the same international window.
Semenyo is not the only key player unavailable to the national team. Mohammed Kudus has also withdrawn as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury, while several other players have either been ruled out or remain subject to medical assessments.
The GFA has consequently made several changes to the squad, bringing in additional players to strengthen the team ahead of the qualifiers.
Among the players added are Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey, while Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have received their first senior call-ups.
The growing list of absences has also prompted discussion about the physical demands placed on players by club and international football.
GFA President Kurt Okraku has defended the players who have withdrawn, saying the absences are related to genuine medical concerns rather than a deliberate decision to avoid representing Ghana.
For Semenyo, the immediate focus is expected to remain on his recovery and establishing the full extent of his ankle problem.
His withdrawal means Queiroz will have to adjust his attacking plans for the opening qualifiers as Ghana seek a positive start to their campaign.
The Black Stars will be hoping that Semenyo makes a full recovery and returns to international duty once he is medically ready.
More details on Antoine Semenyo’s absense from the latest Afcon qualifiers . pic.twitter.com/ruT7L8BoJ6
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) September 22, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
