2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Thomas Partey and Thomas-Asante dropped from Ghana squad for Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey and forward Brandon Thomas-Asante have been left out of the Black Stars squad for this month's opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Partey recently returned to training with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab after spending two weeks on the sidelines with an injury.

The 32-year-old sustained the setback during Al Shabab's league match against Al Riyadh in August and has since been working his way back to full fitness.

Despite resuming training, Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has opted not to include the experienced midfielder in his latest squad.

Coventry City striker Thomas-Asante has also been overlooked for the upcoming fixtures.

The forward, who is playing in the Premier League this season, has endured a difficult start to the campaign, making four appearances and accumulating 139 minutes without registering a goal or an assist.

Defenders Abdul Mumin, Alidu Seidu and Jonas Adjetey, as well as midfielder Elisha Owusu, have also been omitted from the squad announced by Queiroz.

Ghana begin their AFCON qualifying campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September.

The four-time African champions will then travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the Atlas Lions at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.