Jordan Ayew is set to captain the Black Stars in their pivotal doubleheader against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

With Thomas Partey ruled out due to fitness concerns, Ayew will likely step up to lead Ghana in these must-win games.

Partey, the Arsenal star initially named in coach Otto Addo's 25-man squad, has withdrawn from the qualifiers alongside Joseph Paintsil, Ibrahim Osman, and Kingsley Schindler due to injuries.

The Black Stars face a challenging path as they aim to secure their place in AFCON 2025. Having not missed the tournament since 2004, Ghana is determined to break their 42-year AFCON trophy drought, last lifting the trophy in 1982.

However, the road has been tough so far, with the team yet to win a game in the qualifiers. Ghana suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium and were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger in their second match.

With Ayew at the helm, the Black Stars will be hoping to turn things around and claim six vital points from the two matches against Sudan, as they look to reignite their AFCON qualification campaign. The first leg will be held on October 10, followed by the return leg on October 15.