Ghana has left out Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey from their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, with the make-or-break fixtures beginning on Wednesday. Coach Otto Addo declined to reveal his reasons for omitting the 31-year-old, who boasts 13 goals in 49 appearances for Ghana.
“My reasons are confidential. I hope he will rejoin us for the next international window in March (World Cup qualifying),” Addo commented.
In another leadership move, Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew has replaced West Ham United’s Mohamed Kudus as captain. Kudus led the Black Stars in last month’s two fixtures against Sudan, which yielded only one point and left Ghana at risk of missing the AFCON finals for the first time since 2004.
With four AFCON titles, Ghana sits third in Group F, having secured just two points from four matches. The team must win their away fixture against group leaders Angola on Friday and the home match against Niger three days later to keep their qualification hopes alive. Meanwhile, Sudan needs only one point from matches against Niger and Angola to secure their place, despite having to play abroad due to ongoing civil unrest.
AFCON Matchday Highlights Across Africa
Several other key AFCON qualifiers will also unfold over the next few days:
- Benin vs Nigeria: Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen returns from injury to join the lineup against Benin and Rwanda in Group D. Nigeria needs just one point to qualify, while Benin will be looking to replicate last year’s surprise win over Nigeria.
- Botswana vs Mauritania: After back-to-back victories against Cape Verde, Botswana’s hopes are revived. Under interim coach Morena Ramoreboli, a home win over Mauritania will secure Botswana a spot in the finals.
- Gambia vs Comoros: A victory by Comoros, coached by Italian Stefano Cusin, will secure their qualification from Group A. The match is being held in Berkane, Morocco, due to stadium standards in Gambia.
- Uganda vs South Africa: Coaches Paul Put (Uganda) and Hugo Broos (South Africa) face off in Group K. A qualification will be confirmed for both teams if Congo Brazzaville does not win against South Sudan.
- Zimbabwe vs Kenya: Zimbabwe, guided by German coach Michael Nees, needs just a draw to secure Group J qualification. Kenya, managed by Turkish coach Engin Firat, must win to keep their hopes alive.