Jordan Ayew’s absence from the start of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable players for the Black Stars.

Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, before hosting Gambia in Accra on September 29 for the second matchday in Group C.

Soon after news of Antoine Semenyo withdrawing from the squad broke, the captain, Jordan Ayew, also left.

Many have questioned Ghana’s chances against the Ivory Coast, a country blessed with an array of superstars.

Mohammed Kudus withdrew in order to continue his recovery, while Baba Rahman and Alidu Seidu are also absent.

Viktoria Plzeň forward Prince Kwabena Adu is also ruled out after suffering a head injury with his club.

Could the Black Stars produce an upset as they did against England at the 2026 World Cup by holding the Ivorians to a draw or even beating them?