Togo legend Emmanuel Adebayor believes Ghana could face a difficult challenge against Ivory Coast following the withdrawal of Mohammed Kudus from the Black Stars squad.
Ghana are set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a demanding trip to Bouaké, where they will face Ivory Coast on September 24.
Kudus was initially named in Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad after spending several months on the sidelines, but the Tottenham Hotspur forward withdrew on Sunday as he continues his recovery. Derby County forward Mohammed Fuseini has since been called up as his replacement.
Adebayor, speaking to 3Sports, believes Kudus’ absence could be significant for Ghana, particularly because of the experience and confidence the midfielder brings to the national team.
“There is no game without an experienced player; it will be hard,” Adebayor said.
“Kudus would have brought confidence into the team. But with [youngsters], trust me, it will be difficult.”
The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker stressed the importance of having experienced players in a fixture of such magnitude, especially when Ghana face an Ivory Coast side on home soil.
“Ivory Coast against Ghana, you need some players who can bring [cool heads],” he added.
Kudus is one of several established players who will not feature for Ghana during the opening part of the qualifying campaign, leaving Queiroz with the task of reshaping his side ahead of the crucial encounter.
The Black Stars will travel to the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké for the first Group C fixture before returning to Accra to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27.
The Black Stars will travel to the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké for the first Group C fixture before returning to Accra to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27.
The matches represent the first steps in Ghana’s bid to return to the AFCON after missing out on the previous edition of the tournament.
Queiroz will therefore be hoping his available players can compensate for the absence of key figures and produce a strong start to the qualifying campaign.
Ghana will then conclude the international window with an international friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4.
