Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says the Black Stars remain “a strong team” despite the loss of several key players ahead of Thursday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast.
The four-time African champions travel to Bouaké for their Group C opener without Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei and Alidu Seidu, who are unavailable through injury or personal reasons.
The absences have forced Queiroz to reshape his squad, but the 73-year-old says he has complete faith in the players available to face the reigning 2023 AFCON champions.
“We don’t like to see players injured. We love to see the best players on the pitch all the time. But sometimes it’s not possible,” Queiroz told reporters.
“The most important players in our team are the ones who are here today. We are a strong team. We have a lot of potential. We have full confidence that the players we have called are ready to perform.”
He added: “What is possible, and what we need, is to be sure that we brought talented players, full of enthusiasm and great talents of Ghana.”
The withdrawals have opened the door for fresh faces, with Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey drafted in as replacements, while Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have earned their first senior call-ups.
Following the clash at the Stade de la Paix, Ghana will return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
The Black Stars will then conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October.
