Ghana’s Black Stars have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign following the withdrawal of Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo from the national team.

The 26-year-old attacker has pulled out of Ghana’s squad for the September–October international window, leaving head coach Carlos Queiroz with another selection challenge just days before the highly anticipated encounter against Côte d’Ivoire.

According to a report by 3Sports on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Semenyo is unavailable after suffering a swollen ankle, ruling him out of the upcoming international assignments.

Semenyo Joins Growing List of Black Stars Absentees

The forward’s withdrawal follows the reported decision of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus to miss the international fixtures as he continues working towards full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.

Semenyo’s absence further reduces Ghana’s attacking options as Queiroz prepares for his first competitive assignments since returning to lead the national team.

Carlos Queiroz Calls Up Nine Additional Players

In response to medical concerns affecting several members of the squad, the Ghana Football Association has announced nine additional call-ups.

The new players include Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan, who will provide additional attacking options.

Defenders Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Ebenezer Annan and Rockson Yeboah have also been invited, alongside midfielder Rahim Ibrahim.

Ghana Face Crucial Côte d’Ivoire Test

The Black Stars are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, before returning to Accra to host The Gambia on September 29.

Ghana will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco on October 4.
Confédération Africaine de Football

With Semenyo unavailable, Queiroz must reorganize his attacking options as Ghana begins its campaign to secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.