Ghana Drop Arsenal Star Partey As AFCON Qualification Hangs In Balance

Ghana has left Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey out of the squad for two critical Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger, with the opening match scheduled for Wednesday.

Under-pressure coach Otto Addo declined to provide details on why the 31-year-old Partey, who has scored 13 goals in 49 appearances for Ghana, was omitted. “My reasons are confidential. I hope he will rejoin us for the next international window in March (World Cup qualifying),” Addo stated.

In another notable change, Premier League star Jordan Ayew from Leicester City has replaced West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus as the team’s captain. Kudus had captained Ghana in recent matches against Sudan, where they secured just one point, placing them at risk of missing the AFCON finals for the first time since 2004.

To qualify, Ghana, currently third in Group F, must secure victories in their upcoming matches: away against group leaders Angola on Friday, and at home against Niger three days later. Second-placed Sudan only needs a single point from their remaining games to qualify, despite having to play outside their conflict-ridden country.

Key AFCON Matchups this Week

**Benin vs. Nigeria**: Nigeria’s African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, returns for Group D games, with Nigeria needing just one point to qualify.

**Botswana vs. Mauritania**: After back-to-back wins over Cape Verde, Botswana could secure their place with a win at home.

**Gambia vs. Comoros**: Comoros, fresh from a shock victory over Tunisia, can qualify from Group A if they beat Gambia.

**Uganda vs. South Africa**: Both teams are likely to advance from Group K, with final qualification dependent on Congo Brazzaville’s result.

**Zimbabwe vs. Kenya**: Zimbabwe, playing in South Africa, needs only a point to qualify, while Kenya must win to keep their hopes alive.