Alexander Djiku has been ruled out of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia on Tuesday after the injury he suffered in Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Spartak Moscow centre-back, who captained the Black Stars in the Group C opener in Bouaké, was substituted in the 70th minute. He later described feeling pain in his side after a first-half tackle, with the discomfort increasing at half-time. After the match he said he would do everything possible to recover in time for the home fixture, but the latest team update confirms he will not be available.
The game is scheduled for 16:00 GMT on 29 September at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana sit on zero points after the opening defeat, in which Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scored for the hosts. A result against The Gambia is therefore important as Carlos Queiroz’s side look to start their campaign properly at home.
Djiku had only recently returned to the national team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury. His experience and leadership at the back made him a key figure in a squad already dealing with several other absences. His latest setback adds to the defensive questions Queiroz must answer before kick-off.
Ghana and The Gambia are in a four-team group also containing Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia. The top two sides will qualify for the 2027 tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Black Stars will now prepare without one of their most reliable defenders as they attempt to bounce back in Accra.