In a significant blow to the Black Stars’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the team has been hit with the withdrawal of eight key players ahead of crucial fixtures against Angola and Niger.
Head coach Otto Addo now faces the daunting task of reshaping his squad at short notice following the unavailability of key players such as Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, and Alexander Djiku, who have all been sidelined due to injuries or personal reasons.
The injury list is extensive, with some players facing extended periods on the sidelines. Inaki Williams, a pivotal forward for the Black Stars, sustained a hamstring injury during training, rendering him unable to join the team. Tariq Lamptey, a crucial figure in defense, is contending with a worsening calf issue that necessitated rehabilitation with his club. Similarly, Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku are grappling with setbacks, while Antoine Semenyo and Alexander Djiku are also nursing injuries that require attention.
As the team navigates these setbacks, Terry Yegbe has been called up as a replacement for Djiku and Opoku, with additional replacements reportedly being lined up to fill the gaps left by the injured players.
With high-stakes fixtures against Angola and Niger looming, Coach Otto Addo is under pressure to swiftly assemble a competitive squad. The challenges posed by injuries and withdrawals are undoubtedly testing the team’s depth as they seek to keep their AFCON aspirations alive.
As Ghana’s AFCON aspirations hang in the balance, the coming days will be pivotal in determining how Addo can navigate the crisis and ensure his team is ready for the battles ahead. The Black Stars will need to regroup swiftly and demonstrate resilience as they strive to overcome this setback and deliver strong performances in the upcoming qualifiers.
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