Accra, Ghana – The Black Stars of Ghana have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations doubleheader against Sudan, with key midfielder Thomas Partey withdrawing from the squad due to injury.

Partey, who has been a central figure for the national team since taking over the captaincy in June, is one of four players sidelined for the upcoming matches. The Ghana Football Association announced that he is facing medical issues and will undergo further tests in the coming days as advised by his club, Arsenal.

Joining Partey on the injury list are Joseph Paintsil, Ibrahim Osman, and Kingsley Schindler. According to the association’s statement, Paintsil experienced hamstring pain during LA Galaxy’s match on Saturday, October 5, prompting his club doctors to schedule an MRI. Osman is unavailable due to a muscle injury, while Schindler has been excused due to a medical emergency.

To fill the void left by these absences, Michael Baidoo, Abu Francis, Ibrahim Sadiq, and Jonas Adjei Adjetey have been called up to join the squad.

The Black Stars are set to face Sudan in their first match on Thursday, October 10, before heading to Libya for the second encounter on October 15. The team will be looking to secure crucial points in their quest for AFCON qualification amidst these setbacks.