Ghana’s AFCON hopes diminish as Semenyo, Djiku and six others withdraw from squad
By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Eight key players have withdrawn from the Ghana national football squad ahead of their crucial matches against Angola and Niger. Originally included in a 25-man squad, these players will not participate due to various reasons, including injuries and personal matters.
This development has left coach Otto Addo scrambling to find last-minute replacements, with the first match against Angola just days away.
The absence of these players could significantly impact Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a situation that has sparked widespread concern among fans.
Among the players sidelined, Inaki Williams and Tariq Lamptey are notable absentees. Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury sustained on November 7, which has kept him from training, while Lamptey is undergoing rehabilitation for aggravated calf discomfort. Their absence is a major blow to Ghana’s attacking and defensive capabilities. Williams’ agility has been a key asset for the team, while Lamptey’s defensive prowess and ability to support forward play have been crucial in past matches.
The situation is further complicated by the withdrawals of Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku. Adjetey experienced a setback in his recovery during a club game on November 9, while Opoku’s chronic back pain worsened during a match against Besiktas on November 10. Both players are undergoing rehabilitation, but their absence leaves significant gaps in Ghana’s midfield and defensive line-up. Coach Otto Addo faces the challenging task of finding suitable replacements who can quickly adapt to the team’s strategies and perform under pressure.
Adding to the list of injured players, Antoine Semenyo and Alexander Djiku are also out due to injuries. Semenyo is nursing a patella tendon injury caused by an overload of games, and his club’s medical team has referred him to a specialist.
Djiku, on the other hand, aggravated a hamstring injury, leading to his substitution on November 10. These injuries underscore the demanding nature of professional football and the importance of managing player workloads to prevent long-term damage. Their absence will require strategic adjustments from the coaching staff to maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Ibrahim Osman and Joseph Painstil’s withdrawals add another layer of complexity to Ghana’s preparations. Osman picked up a hamstring injury during his last club outing, while Painstil withdrew due to personal reasons.
The team now faces an uphill battle to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON. If they fail to qualify, it would mark the first time Ghana has missed out on the tournament since 2004.
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