Ghana face Cote d’Ivoire without Semenyo, Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew

Ghana will be without three of their most important attacking players when they face Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday, leaving manager Carlos Queiroz with major selection problems for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew will all miss the match, depriving the Black Stars of pace, creativity and experience. Their absences come as Cote d’Ivoire begin Herve Renard’s new tenure with a significantly reshaped squad.

Semenyo had reported for international duty in strong form after scoring twice in Manchester City’s 5-3 win against Sunderland. However, the 26-year-old forward is still suffering from an ankle injury. His leg remained swollen after the match and he asked to continue his treatment in England.

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku said Semenyo had spoken to Queiroz and was prepared to travel to Ghana for another assessment if the coaching staff required it. The decision was ultimately made for the player to remain in England and continue his recovery.

Kudus was also included in Ghana’s original squad. The Tottenham player, who spent much of last season injured and also missed the 2026 World Cup, withdrew from the camp to complete his rehabilitation and regain full fitness.

His absence removes one of Ghana’s most effective players in the final third, particularly when it comes to creating openings and making the difference in the final 30 metres.

Ayew joined the squad on Monday but will also be unavailable. The 35-year-old captain felt pain and underwent an MRI scan the following day. The examination showed an injury that will rule him out against Cote d’Ivoire and in the subsequent match against Gambia.

Ghana will therefore be without both their captain and one of their most experienced forwards for two important fixtures. Ayew remains one of the key figures in the Black Stars dressing room and one of the most experienced internationals in the team’s history.

The list of absentees also includes Thomas Partey, Baba Rahman and Nathaniel Adjei. With injuries mounting, Queiroz has called up nine additional players to strengthen his squad.

Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan are among the players who could be used to rebuild Ghana’s attack.

With kick-off approaching, Queiroz’s immediate challenge is to find the right balance and attacking combination without Semenyo, Kudus or Jordan Ayew.