Black Stars' 25-man squad for their 2025 AFCON qualifying games against Sudan has seen some changes with a few days to matchday.

Ghana will face Sudan in a doubleheader with the first leg slated for October 10 in Accra and the return leg on October 15, 2024, in Libya.

Four players including skipper Thomas Partey, have pulled out of the squad due to respective injuries. The other players are Joseph Painstil, Kingsley Schindler and Ibrahim Osman.

According to a statement by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Partey has medical concerns and has been scheduled for medical attention in London.

"Thomas is unable to join the Black Stars due to medical issues he is currently experiencing, and his club has scheduled him for further tests in the coming days."

On Painstil, GFA noted that the LA Galaxy winger has suffered a hamstring injury and thus will not be available.

"He experienced some pain in his hamstrings during their last game on Saturday, October 5. His club doctors have scheduled him for an MRI on Monday, 7th October. He is therefore unavailable to join the Black Stars."

The FA's statement further explained that, Feyenoord winger Osman Ibrahim also withdrew from the squad due to a calf problem.

"Experienced pain in his calf muscles during their last game and was substituted in the 65th minute. His club has since communicated his unavailability to the Ghana Football Association."

Regarding defender, Kingsley Schindler, the GFA indicated that the Samsunspor man is undergoing treatment for a medical emergency.

"The player is unable to join the Black Stars due to a medical emergency he's currently receiving treatment for."

"The Black Stars are set to face Sudan on Thursday, October 10 and Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in two very important Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers."

For the respective replacement for the injured quartet, Michael Baidoo replaces Joseph Paintsil, Abu Francis replaces Partey, Jonas Adjetey replaces Schindler and Ibrahim Sadick replaces Osman.

Micael Baidoo is a forward who plays for Swedish side Elfsborg, Abu Francis is a midfielder who plays for Belgian side Circle Brugge, Jonas Adjetey is a defender who plays for Swiss side FC Basel, and Ibrahim Sadick is a forward who plays for Dutch side AZ. Baidoo and Sadick, unlike the other two, have earned their debut call-ups.


EE/EK