Ghana will be without midfielder Thomas Partey for their key September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The experienced player is following a specialised fitness programme with his Saudi club Al-Shabab, ruling him out of the Black Stars' matches, as reported by MyJoyOnline this week.
Partey will sit out Al-Shabab's domestic fixtures against Al-Kholood and Al-Fayha to focus on intensive training sessions. The 33-year-old is working under the direct supervision of the club's fitness coach as he aims for a full return to action. His absence comes at a critical moment for the national team, who face Côte d'Ivoire on September 24 and The Gambia three days later on September 27. Manager Carlos Queiroz is expected to name his squad for these games shortly.
How does this affect Ghana's midfield?
The loss of Thomas Partey is a significant blow for Ghana's engine room. He brings a wealth of experience from his time in the Premier League and has been a consistent presence in the heart of the team. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks from deep is a key part of the Black Stars' tactical setup. In his absence, Queiroz will need to look to other options within the squad to fill the void.
Ghana's midfield resources include players like Mohammed Kudus, who offers creativity and goal threat from advanced positions. The team's full squad list shows a mix of youth and experience available for selection. This period is vital for building cohesion ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which is also underway. The upcoming fixtures are a chance to test combinations and solidify the team's identity.
What is the context of the AFCON qualifiers?
Ghana are competing to secure their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia are part of the final round of qualifiers. Securing positive results is important for both tournament qualification and team morale. The Black Stars have a strong history in the competition and will be eager to book their ticket early.
The team's recent form and upcoming schedule can be tracked on our dedicated fixtures page. These games also serve as preparation for the continued push in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Every match is an opportunity to integrate players and refine the system Queiroz wants to implement.
Who could step in for Partey?
Manager Carlos Queiroz has several midfield alternatives at his disposal. Players such as Salis Abdul Samed and Elisha Owusu offer defensive solidity and energy in the centre of the park. The selection will depend on the tactical approach for each opponent, whether seeking to control possession or play on the counter-attack.
The senior squad data shows a range of profiles that can be utilised. It's a chance for other players to stake their claim for a regular starting role. The manager's decision will be closely watched by fans eager to see how the team adapts without one of its most recognisable figures. Partey's absence forces a reshuffle that could define Ghana's September international window.
What comes next for Ghana?
Immediately after the September qualifiers, Ghana's focus will shift back to World Cup qualification. The road to the 2026 finals is long, and every point matters. The team's standing in their qualifying group can be monitored via our standings section. Building a deep and adaptable squad is essential for handle the dual challenges of AFCON and World Cup campaigns.
The next fixture for the Black Stars after the September international break is a World Cup qualifier scheduled for October.
