Massive blow for Ghana as 8 players withdraw from squad for Angola, Niger games

Eight players have withdrawn from the Black Stars squad to face Angola and Niger in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on November 15 and 18, 2024.

According to ghanafa.org, some of the players include Inaki Williams, who is reported to have picked up a hamstring injury, as well as Tariq Lamptey, who is also experiencing calf discomfort and is undergoing rehabilitation.

Others include Antoine Semenyo, who is nursing a tendon injury due to an overload of games at Bournemouth, Besiktas defender Alexander Djiku has aggravated an existing hamstring injury, and Ibrahim Osman is said to have picked up a hamstring injury as well.

Jeremy Poku and Jonas Adjetey are reported to be recovering from injuries they sustained, with Joseph Paintsil withdrawing from the squad due to personal reasons.

In this case, head coach Otto Addo will invite other players to replace those who have withdrawn from the squad.

This comes as a big blow for the Black Stars as they aim to win against Niger and Angola and hope Sudan lose their remaining matches to secure qualification.

After four matches, Ghana are third in Group F with two points. Sudan are in second place with seven points, while Angola lead with twelve points.

Ghana will play Angola on November 15, 2024, and return to host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18, 2024.

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