Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is set to be included in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 34-year-old forward is currently without a club but remains a central figure in head coach Carlos Queiroz's plans, according to a report from GhanaWeb.

Queiroz, retained by the Ghana Football Association after leading the team to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will name his squad for important matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Ghana's recent form, however, has been a concern, with the team losing its last three matches and posting a record of zero wins, two draws, and three losses in its last five outings. The most recent of those was a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the World Cup on July 4, 2026.

What is Jordan Ayew's current club status?

Jordan Ayew has been without a club since his contract with Leicester City expired at the end of the 2025/26 season. The experienced striker has not played competitive club football since then. Reports now indicate he is close to securing a move to English Championship side Blackburn Rovers. This potential transfer comes at a critical time as Ghana prepares for its qualifying campaign. Ayew's match sharpness will be monitored, but his leadership and experience are considered vital assets for the national team setup.

When are Ghana's next AFCON qualifiers?

The Black Stars begin their quest to reach the 2027 AFCON with two matches in late September 2026. They first travel to face Côte d'Ivoire on September 24. Five days later, on September 29, Ghana will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. These fixtures represent the first competitive action for Ghana since its World Cup campaign ended. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our dedicated fixtures page.

How did Ghana perform at the 2026 World Cup?

Under Carlos Queiroz, Ghana progressed from its group at the 2026 World Cup, a significant achievement for the team. The team's overall tournament statistics show they scored two goals and conceded two across their three games, finishing third in their group with four points from one win, one draw, and one loss. You can view the full tournament standings for more context. The GFA's decision to extend Queiroz's contract, as explained by representative Fred Acheampong, was based on this tangible progress despite some criticism of the team's defensive approach.

What is the state of the Ghana squad?

While Ayew's inclusion is anticipated, the squad is dealing with at least one confirmed absence. Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is currently sidelined and will not be available for selection. His absence places additional onus on the attacking unit to deliver in the qualifiers. Queiroz will be finalizing his selections from the pool of available players, and the full squad list will be published on our squad page once it is officially announced by the GFA.

The team's immediate focus is squarely on securing positive results against Côte d'Ivoire away on September 24 and The Gambia at home on September 29.