Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has pulled out of the Black Stars squad ahead of their upcoming international assignments.
According to reports, Semenyo has withdrawn from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia due to an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old had been included in Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, as well as Ghana’s international friendly against Morocco.
His withdrawal comes at an unfortunate time after he made an impressive start to life at Manchester City. Semenyo scored twice and provided an assist in City’s 5-3 Premier League victory over Sunderland on September 20, underlining his importance to the club’s attack.
For the Black Stars, his absence further reduces Queiroz’s attacking options ahead of a demanding international window.
Ghana will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium five days later. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco for a friendly against the Atlas Lions on October 4.
Semenyo’s withdrawal also adds to a series of changes to the squad since Queiroz announced his initial selection. Mohammed Kudus, who had returned to the team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury, has also opted out of the upcoming qualifiers to continue his recovery and regain full fitness at Tottenham Hotspur.
Queiroz will now have to reorganise his attacking options ahead of the trip to Bouaké, with Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ibrahim Osman, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Adu Kwabena and captain Jordan Ayew among the forwards available in the original squad.
The opening fixture carries added importance for Ghana as the Black Stars begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament after missing the previous edition.
With Semenyo now unavailable, Queiroz will have to turn to the remaining members of his squad as Ghana look to start the qualifying campaign on a positive note against Côte d’Ivoire.
