2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz explains player selection criteria for Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says players must be in competitive action and physically ready to represent the Black Stars as he prepares the team for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The 73-year-old has named a 24-man squad for Ghana's opening Group C matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Jan Gyamerah, Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana and Ibrahim Osman return to the squad after missing Ghana's 2026 World Cup campaign.

However, Thomas Partey, Brandon-Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey and Elisha Owusu are among the notable omissions.

New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor has received his first senior call-up after impressing for the Major League Soccer side.

Explaining his selection policy, Queiroz said his technical team had closely monitored the players before deciding on the squad.

"Our technical staff carried out our usual in-depth monitoring of the players," Queiroz told Ghana Football Association media.

"The limitations or periods of inactivity affecting some players are also well known.

"There is always one general principle that we consider fundamental at this stage, except in exceptional circumstances: players should be in competitive action, physically prepared and fully ready to play for the national team."

Ghana will, however, be without Kudus for the opening qualifiers after the Tottenham midfielder withdrew from the squad.

Prince Adu Kwabena is also expected to miss the matches after suffering a head injury at the weekend.

The Black Stars begin their qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

They will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September.

Ghana will complete the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.