Black Stars Blow: Semenyo Pulls Out Of AFCON Qualifiers
Black Stars winger Antoine Semenyo has pulled out of Ghana squad for the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers in Accra and Bouake, just 2 days before the opener against Ivory Coast. The Manchester City forward withdrew with a swollen ankle, compounding Ghana woes after failing to qualify for AFCON 2025.
According to Ghana Football Association, Semenyo asked to be excused from the September October window to manage the injury, missing the September 24 clash at Stade de la Paix in Bouake and the September 29 home game against The Gambia in Accra. His withdrawal follows Mohammed Kudus, Nathaniel Adjei, Prince Kwabena Adu and Jordan Ayew who also exited Carlos Queiroz 24 man squad. Queiroz has added 9 replacements including Brandon Thomas Asante, Felix Afena Gyan, Jonas Adjetey and Rahim Ibrahim.
Semenyo absence is a major blow given his blistering Premier League start. He scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 5 games and netted twice in Manchester City 5-3 win over Sunderland last weekend. He previously described it as frustrating not to qualify for AFCON 2025, making his desire to lead the new qualification charge even stronger.
The timing hurts Ghana after a turbulent year. The Black Stars failed to reach AFCON 2025, prompting technical overhaul and appointment of Queiroz. Under Ghana football system, qualification uses CAF points system, FIFA ranking seeding and group stage format where top 2 qualify. Players are assessed through medical licensing protocols similar to Energy Commission licensing for compliance, while WASSCE style grading of performance metrics determines final squad selection. Galamsey laws analogy applies as GFA enforces strict camp discipline to weed out unfit elements, ensuring only fully fit players wear the jersey.
Background shows Semenyo rise from Bristol City to Bournemouth to Manchester City in January 2026, becoming a key outlet with pace and pressing. His partnership with Kudus was expected to solve Ghana creativity crisis. With both out, Queiroz will rely on Ernest Nuamah, Fatawu Issahaku and new debutants. Ghana open camp at Accra Sports Stadium and will round off window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on October 4.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
