Omanghana
Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has explained that Antoine Semenyo withdrew from the Black Stars squad because of an ankle injury that caused significant swelling after his latest club appearance.
The Manchester City forward reportedly informed the GFA that he had been struggling with the injury before experiencing a flare-up following his weekend match.
According to Mr Okraku, Semenyo requested permission to remain with his club’s medical team to undergo further assessment and continue his rehabilitation.
The GFA president said the player was willing to report for independent examination by the Black Stars medical team, stressing that his absence was based entirely on medical grounds.
His explanation was intended to address speculation surrounding the withdrawal and claims that Semenyo might have been reluctant to represent Ghana.
Mr Okraku maintained that the forward remains committed to the national team but was physically unable to join the squad because of the condition of his ankle.
He also dismissed suggestions that the decision was connected to any disagreement between the player and Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Semenyo’s withdrawal is a major setback for Ghana ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
The forward joins other prominent players, including Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, on the Black Stars’ injury list.
Their absence is expected to create opportunities for other members of the squad, including Brandon Thomas-Asante and Felix Afena-Gyan, as Ghana prepares for the two qualifying fixtures.
Source: Omanghana
