Sports News of 2026-09-24
GFA Exco member reveals why Jordan, Semenyo, Kudus withdrew from Black Stars
Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Frederick Acheampong, has explained why some key Black Stars players withdrew from the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, insisting that they had genuine concerns.
According to him, Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew underwent a scan upon his arrival in the country, which confirmed that he was injured. Defender Baba Rahman also underwent a scan and was found to have an injury.
He rejected claims that the players intentionally withdrew from the team due to certain issues within the squad, vehemently denying such suggestions.
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“There have been a lot of conspiracy theories and speculations about the withdrawal of the Black Stars players. Do you sincerely believe Jordan will withdraw from the squad without any genuine concern? Considering his commitment to the team and as a captain, he would not do that.
“He was actually scanned in Ghana, and it was proven that he was injured. It was him and Baba Rahman who were proven to be injured after a scan in Ghana,” he said in Twi in an interview with Kessben FM.
Fred Acheampong further disclosed that Kudus Mohammed asked to be excluded from the squad to allow him ample time to recover from his injury, while Semenyo also sustained an injury during Manchester City’s win over Sunderland, when he scored a brace.
“Kudus gave something on compassionate grounds, with the fact that he had been injured for so long and he is now returning, so they should excuse him without any malicious intent.
“Semenyo also said he sustained an injury after the last match. Injuries could be picked up in the course of a game, and then you notice them after the game; then you exercise caution in the subsequent games,” he added.
The GFA Exco member indicated that he sees the situation as an opportunity for the players called up to justify themselves and secure their places in the team.
“It’s one way for people to draw those conclusions. For me, I think it is an opportunity for those called up to shine. If someone takes over a position, then that’s it. People got such chances and grabbed them with both arms, and it was difficult to take them out,” he noted.
Ghana are scheduled to play Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before welcoming The Gambia to Accra on September 29, 2026.
They will then face Morocco in an international friendly on October 4, 2026, to round off the September/October 2026 international break.
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