Black Stars can not pay for another slip … fights Scorpions today without Djiku

The Black Stars would try to breathe life into the unstable 2027 AFCON qualiers when they deal with the Scorpions of The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium today at 4pm.

Unfortunately, they would deal with that stern test without experience protector, Alexander Djiku who suffered an injury in the Matchday 1 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake.

It is a regrettable obstacle for the Ghana protector who went back to the nationwide group has actually been progressive after missing out on Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup project through injury.

The protector was required off throughout the match and had actually intended to recuperate in time for the home component versus The Gambia.

He has actually now been validated not available, leaving Head Coach Carlos Queiroz with another protective headache as Ghana seek their very first points of the certifying project.

Djiku’s lack comes at a tough time for the Black Stars, who have actually currently seen numerous crucial gamers eliminated of the qualifiers through injuries and physical fitness issues.

Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo were amongst the noteworthy absentees for the opening component, while other gamers have actually likewise been not available throughout the worldwide window.

Kudus, who was at first remembered after recuperating from a prolonged injury lay-off, consequently withdrew from the team to continue his healing to gain back complete physical fitness.

Djiku’s return had actually been anticipated to supply experience and stability to a defence going through modifications under Queiroz.

His newest injury, nevertheless, indicates the Portuguese coach needs to as soon as again change his prepare for a match Ghana can not pay for to approach gently.

The Gambia, on the other hand, get here in Accra with 3 points after beating Somalia 2-1 in their opening Group C component.

The outcome offers the Scorpions an early benefit and includes significance to today’s encounter.

For Ghana, the instant job is to react to the defeat in Côte d’Ivoire and get the certifying project back on track.

Queiroz is anticipated to depend on the offered protective choices, consisting of Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah and other members of his team, as he looks for a mix efficient in keeping The Gambia’s attack under control.

The coach will likewise need to discover a method to make up for the experience lost through Djiku’s lack.

His newest set, for that reason, represents another twist in what has actually currently been a difficult start to Ghana’s certification project.

Ghana will, for that reason, be looking for a strong reaction in front of the home advocates.

The Black Stars will likewise understand that another slip might increase the pressure on the group early in the four-team Group C, which likewise consists of Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia.

For Queiroz, changing Djiku will be among the crucial choices before kick-off, however the bigger difficulty will be guaranteeing that Ghana conquer their growing injury issues and produce the outcome required to restore their project.

The Gambia, having actually begun with a triumph, will be intending to leave Accra with another favorable outcome.

Ghana, nevertheless, will go into the contest identified to turn the page on the Bouaké defeat and start their home project with a reaction.

By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw

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