Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Left Out of Ghana’s AFCON Squad

Thomas Partey, the talented midfielder from Arsenal, has unfortunately been excluded from Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast. The reason behind his absence is a lingering injury that has kept him out of action since October.

“This is not just any ordinary injury that Thomas has suffered,” expressed Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton. “It is by far the most significant one he has faced during his career.”

The top priority for Hughton and the association now is to extend their unwavering support to Partey during this challenging period. Had it not been for his unfortunate setback, there would be no doubt about his presence in the squad.

Injuries have also affected Brighton right-back Tariq Lampey, who will miss out on participating in Afcon due to recurring fitness issues. However, West Ham midfielder Mohammed Kudus, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, and Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey are among those who made it into the 27-man squad.

Captain Andre Ayew will make history as he appears at an impressive eighth Afcon finals while representing French club Le Havre. Nevertheless, PAOK left-back Baba Rahman decided not to seek selection so that he can focus on performing well for his club. Additionally absent from the roster is winger Abdul Fatawu, currently on loan at Leicester from Sporting CP.

Ghana’s Group and Tournament Schedule

Ghana has been placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique for the 2023 Afcon finals. The tournament will commence on January 13th and conclude with the final match on February 11th.

The Path Ahead for Ghana’s Football Team

Appointed as head coach of Ghana in February last year, Chris Hughton, who previously managed Newcastle and Brighton, assumes a crucial role in leading the Black Stars. Their last victory at Afcon dates back to 1982 when they secured their fourth title.

The Selected Squad of Players

• Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen, Switzerland), Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Joe Wollacott (Hibernian, Scotland)
• Defenders: Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Abdul Fatawu Hamidu (Medeama, Ghana), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre, France), Denis Odoi (Club Bruges, Belgium), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens, France), Mohammed Salisu  (Monaco,French) , Kingsley Schindler(Samsunspor,Turkey) Alidu Seidu(Clermont,French)
• Midfielders: Majeed Ashimeru,(Anderlecht,Beljium) Osman Bukari( Red Star Belgrade,Serbia) Baba Iddrisu(Mallorca,Spain) Ransford Konigsdorffer(Hamburg,Germany), Mohammed Kudus(West Ham England),Richmond Lamptey(Asante Kotoko,Ghana), Elisha Owusu(Auxerre,French) Joseph Paintsil(Genk,Belgium) Salis Abdul Samed(Lens,French)
• Forwards: Andre Ayew(Le Havre,French),Jordan Ayew(Crystal Palace England) Ernest Nuamah (RWD Molenbeek Belgium) Antoine Semenyo(Bournemouth,England), Jonathan Sowah(Medeama Ghana), Inaki Williams(Athletic Bilbao,Spain).