Ghana have suffered another setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with left-back Baba Rahman ruled out through injury.
Rahman arrived in the Black Stars camp carrying the injury and was assessed by the team’s medical staff.
Following the assessment, it was confirmed that the defender would not be fit to participate in the upcoming fixtures and has consequently withdrawn from the squad.
His absence adds to a growing list of players who will miss Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifying assignments under head coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Black Stars have already lost several important players, including Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, while experienced midfielder Thomas Partey was not included in the original squad because of injury concerns.
Queiroz has subsequently been forced to make several additions to his squad as he attempts to compensate for the growing number of unavailable players.
The latest withdrawal presents another selection challenge, particularly because Ghana are preparing to face Côte d’Ivoire away from home in their opening Group C qualifier.
The Black Stars are scheduled to meet the Ivorians in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, in what will be their first competitive assignment in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Rahman would have provided experience and another established option at left-back, but the technical team must now find an alternative from the players available in camp.
His absence also reduces Queiroz’s options in a position where defensive discipline and the ability to contribute to attacks from the flank will be important against Côte d’Ivoire.
After the away fixture, Ghana will return home to face The Gambia in their next qualifying match before rounding off the international period with a friendly against Morocco on October 4.
The Black Stars are seeking to make a strong start to the qualification campaign after failing to qualify for the previous Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
With the squad continuing to change because of injuries and withdrawals, Queiroz will now have to quickly settle on his strongest available team and ensure the late changes do not affect Ghana’s preparations.
