2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana suffer fresh injury blow as Baba ruled out of Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana have suffered another injury setback ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, with defender Abdul Rahman Baba ruled out of the upcoming international window.

The PAOK left-back reported to the Black Stars camp and underwent an assessment by the team's medical staff.

However, the medical team confirmed that Baba is not fit to feature in Ghana's matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

His absence is another blow for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has seen several key players become unavailable for the start of the qualifying campaign.

Alidu Seidu, who recently joined French club OGC Nice on loan from Stade Rennais, has also withdrawn from the squad.

Ghana are additionally without Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Antoine Semenyo, who have all been ruled out of the current international assignment.

The Black Stars begin their Group C campaign with an away match against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

They will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September as Queiroz's side attempt to make a positive start to their qualifying campaign.

Ghana missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after finishing bottom of their qualifying group, and are now seeking to return to the continental tournament in 2027.

The Black Stars will round off the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.