2027 AFCONQ: Why Antoine Semenyo will miss Ivory Coast and Gambia games – Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says Antoine Semenyo spoke directly with head coach Carlos Queiroz before withdrawing from the Black Stars squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Manchester City forward was named in Ghana’s initial 24-man squad but pulled out ahead of the Group C fixtures against Ivory Coast and The Gambia because of injury.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Okraku said Semenyo made it clear he was willing to travel if required but explained that his condition made it impractical.

“Antoine and the coach spoke, and he told the coach, ‘If you need me, I will come down for the medical team to re-examine me. But the truth is that my leg is swollen, and we need to treat it.'”

Okraku said the decision was made with the player’s long-term recovery in mind rather than asking him to travel for further tests despite being unable to play.

“As a leader, if you know your players and how honest they are in situations like this, you have to decide whether to allow Antoine to continue his recovery and be ready for his club and for Ghana in the next window, or fly him to Ghana for an MRI only to send him back because he can’t play. His leg is swollen.”

Semenyo is among several high-profile absentees for Ghana’s opening qualifiers.

Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei and Alidu Seidu are also unavailable because of injury or personal reasons.

The Black Stars have arrived in Bouaké ahead of Thursday’s clash with Ivory Coast, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT.

Ghana will then return to Accra to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September.

Somalia are the other team in Group C, with Ghana hoping to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Queiroz’s side will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.