Ghana has opted not to include Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in their squad for the upcoming critical Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
This decision comes shortly after Partey’s solid performance for Arsenal in their recent 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 10. Despite his pivotal role at the club, Partey will miss out on Ghana’s must-win qualifiers this month. The first match is set for Friday, November 15, against Angola, followed by a showdown with Niger on Monday, November 18.
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, who has faced recent criticism over the team’s results, chose not to disclose the specific reasons for leaving Partey out of the squad.
The 31-year-old midfielder, with 13 goals in 49 appearances for Ghana, has been a cornerstone of the national team and was expected to be a major asset in their AFCON qualification campaign. On his decision, Coach Addo shared only that “my reasons are confidential,” while expressing hope that Partey will rejoin the squad for the World Cup qualifiers in March.
Meanwhile, forward Jordan Ayew from Leicester City has been named team captain for the upcoming qualifiers, taking over from West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, who previously led the team in their two recent matches against Sudan. Ghana struggled in those games, managing just one point, a result that has left their qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Ghana currently holds third place in Group F, with only two points from four matches, putting them in a risky position. To keep their qualification dreams alive for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, Ghana needs to win their away game against group leaders Angola and follow it up with a home victory over Niger three days later.
