Ghana Football Association’s Communication Director, Henry Asante Twum, has disclosed the reason behind Gideon Mensah’s absence from the Black Stars squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The talented defender was left out due to a muscle tear, as revealed by Twum during a press conference at the Ghana FA headquarters in Accra.
Head coach Otto Addo unveiled the 23-man squad for the upcoming games against Angola and Niger, with key players such as Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Jordan Ayew included in the lineup. However, the omission of Gideon Mensah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ernest Nuamah due to injuries is a blow to the team’s preparations.
Andre Ayew, who is currently a free agent, has once again been overlooked by the technical team, marking the second consecutive time he has been left out of the squad. The captain’s absence raises questions about his future with the national team.
The Black Stars are set to face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5 before traveling to Morocco to take on Niger on September 9. These AFCON qualifiers are crucial for Ghana as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The top two countries from each group will automatically qualify for the CAF’s biggest competition, adding pressure on the Black Stars to perform well in the upcoming matches.