Jordan Ayew Withdraws From Ghana Squad With Knee Injury

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has withdrawn from Ghana’s squad after medical examinations confirmed that he had sustained a knee injury.

The 35-year-old Sheffield United forward arrived in Accra on Monday, September 21, 2026, to join the national team’s training camp but reported experiencing physical discomfort.

Ayew underwent a medical scan on Tuesday, September 22, which ruled him out of Ghana’s opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His withdrawal is a major setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who must reorganize his team shortly before Ghana’s encounter with Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24.

As captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad, Ayew was expected to provide leadership to a team undergoing a period of transition.

His absence adds to Ghana’s injury and withdrawal concerns, with Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Rahman Baba, Alidu Seidu and Prince Kwabena Adu also unavailable for the international window.

The Ghana Football Association has responded by adding Brandon Thomas-Asante, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan to the squad as attacking reinforcements.

Following the match against Côte d’Ivoire, the Black Stars will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27. Ghana is also scheduled to face Morocco in a friendly match in Tangier on October 4.

The four-time African champions will be seeking a strong beginning to their qualification campaign as they attempt to return to the continental tournament after missing the previous edition.