Omanghana
Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus has reportedly withdrawn from Ghana’s squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
The 26-year-old was included in coach Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad after recently returning to competitive football following a seven-month injury layoff. The injury ruled him out of Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kudus, however, is reported to have opted out of the upcoming international matches to remain in London and concentrate on regaining full fitness with Tottenham. He has only recently begun making appearances for the Premier League club after his lengthy absence.
His initial recall had been viewed as a major attacking boost for the Black Stars, who are beginning a new qualifying campaign under Queiroz. The Ghanaian international was among several players brought back into the national team following the World Cup.
CAF confirmed Kudus’ inclusion when Ghana’s squad was announced on September 18, noting that the forward had returned alongside other recalled players, including Ibrahim Osman and Ibrahim Sulemana.
The reported withdrawal leaves Ghana without one of its most influential attacking players for the two qualifiers and a subsequent friendly against Morocco. The technical team is expected to name a replacement, although the Ghana Football Association had not announced one at the time of reporting.
Ghana will begin its qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. The Black Stars will then travel to Tangier for an international friendly against Morocco on October 4.
The opening fixtures are particularly important for Ghana following the country’s failure to qualify for the previous AFCON tournament. Queiroz and his players will be seeking a positive start as the Black Stars attempt to return to Africa’s flagship football competition.
Source: Omanghana
