Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, opting to continue his gradual return to full fitness at club level.
Kudus was included in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifying double-header but has now opted out ahead of the two crucial fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
The 26-year-old’s decision comes as he continues to rebuild his fitness following a lengthy injury lay-off that kept him out of competitive football for several months and ruled him out of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Kudus has only recently returned to action for Tottenham after his extended absence and has been gradually reintroduced by manager Roberto De Zerbi.
He made his competitive return against Newcastle United on August 29 before making further appearances from the bench against Nottingham Forest and Everton. He later made his first start since January in Tottenham’s Carabao Cup meeting with Liverpool.
Kudus also came off the bench in Tottenham’s 3-2 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, September 19, setting up Conor Gallagher for Spurs’ late goal.
His decision to withdraw from international duty will allow him to continue his rehabilitation and build his match fitness without the additional demands of international football.
The withdrawal is a setback for Queiroz, who had counted on the influential forward as Ghana began preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. Kudus was among the notable returnees to the Black Stars squad after missing the World Cup through injury.
Ghana will open its qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
Kudus’ absence leaves the Black Stars without one of their most prominent attacking options for the double-header, placing greater responsibility on the other forwards in Queiroz’s squad as Ghana begins its bid to secure a place at the 2027 continental showpiece.
By: Christian Kpesese
