Thomas Partey headlines a list of six notable players who have been left out of Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man Ghana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, Thomas Partey and Derrick Kohn are among the high-profile players who failed to make Queiroz’s latest squad, which was announced on September 18.
The squad largely features members of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup team, alongside two debutants and the return of Mohammed Kudus, who missed the tournament due to injury.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retains his place in the squad, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang also included.
Nathaniel Adjei has returned to the national team after nearly a year away, following an impressive spell with French club Lorient.
Jan Gyamerah of SV Elversberg and Ronald Donkor of the New York Red Bulls have also received call-ups after making strong starts to the season.
However, several familiar faces have been left out.
- Alidu Seidu
Once a “fan favourite” because of his energy and commitment, Alidu Seidu’s progress has been hampered by injuries.
The 26-year-old lost his starting right-back position to Marvin Senaya and only featured at the 2026 World Cup after the French-born defender suffered a hamstring injury against Colombia.
Seidu was also involved in the only goal Ghana conceded in the 1-0 defeat to the South Americans.
His limited playing time before joining OGC Nice on loan may have also influenced his omission from the latest squad.
- Derrick Kohn
Derrick Kohn was previously considered a potential solution to Ghana’s long-standing concerns at left-back but was not part of the team that travelled to the 2026 World Cup.
His situation has remained difficult, with the Union Berlin defender making just eight minutes of the club’s 270 Bundesliga minutes so far this season.
His limited playing time appears to have contributed to his exclusion from Queiroz’s squad.
- Elisha Owusu
Elisha Owusu’s absence is another notable development, particularly given his regular involvement since joining Turkish Super Lig club Erzurumspor FK.
The midfielder has featured in every match since completing his move to the Turkish side.
Reports have also indicated that Owusu requested to be excluded from the latest national team squad.
- Jonas Adjetey
Jonas Adjetey went through a difficult period earlier in 2026 after conceding penalties in Ghana’s defeats to Austria and Germany.
He nevertheless recovered to earn a place in Ghana’s World Cup squad and featured in all three group-stage matches.
However, regular playing time has been difficult to secure at Wolfsburg, with Transfermarkt recording just 49 minutes of action for the defender this season.
- Brandon Thomas-Asante
Brandon Thomas-Asante’s omission is among the more notable decisions in the latest squad.
The Coventry City forward played an important role in Ghana’s only victory at the 2026 World Cup, providing the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s winning goal against Panama.
However, his limited opportunities with the Black Stars, coupled with a slow start to Coventry City’s Premier League campaign, may have affected his chances of receiving another call-up.
- Thomas Partey
The biggest name missing from Queiroz’s squad is veteran midfielder Thomas Partey.
The former Arsenal player has made only two appearances for Al Shabab this season, with an injury reportedly ruling him out of the club’s last four matches.
According to Ghanasoccernet, the 33-year-old is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, a situation that appears to have contributed to his omission from Ghana’s latest squad.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus has returned to the Black Stars after a seven-month injury absence.
Ghana will now begin preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with several established players missing, while Queiroz has handed opportunities to new faces and recalled players who have impressed at club level.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar