Ghana defender Alexander Djiku will miss the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia after failing to recover from an injury sustained in the opening match against Côte d’Ivoire.
Djiku was forced to leave the pitch during Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday after picking up the injury.
The experienced defender had hoped to recover in time for Tuesday’s Group C encounter and had indicated that he would do everything possible to be fit for the crucial fixture.
However, his recovery has not progressed sufficiently, and he has now been ruled out of the match.
Djiku’s absence leaves head coach Carlos Queiroz with another defensive concern as Ghana seek to respond to their disappointing opening result in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The Portuguese coach will have to make changes to his defensive setup as the Black Stars prepare for their first home qualifier.
Djiku’s latest injury setback comes after he also missed Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign because of injury.
The defender had only recently returned to the Black Stars setup before featuring in the qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.
His absence will therefore be another challenge for Queiroz as he prepares his team for a must-perform home fixture.
Ghana will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, with the Black Stars seeking their first points in Group C.
The team will be looking to recover from the 2-0 defeat in Côte d’Ivoire and put their qualifying campaign back on track.
