Togo legend and former footballer Emmanuel Adebayor says Mohammed Kudus’ absence from the Black Stars squad for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign will be a difficult blow for the team.

Mohammed Kudus was initially included in Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad for Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures but has since withdrawn from the team.

The midfielder wants to focus on completing his recovery from the quad injury that kept him out for almost a year. His last appearance for the Black Stars was on October 12, when he scored in Ghana’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Comoros.

Mohammed Fuseini is reportedly being drafted in as a replacement.

Speaking to 3Sports, former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker Adebayor said the absence of an experienced player like Kudus could leave Ghana vulnerable against the defending African champions.

“There is no game without an experienced player; it will be hard. Kudus would have brought confidence into the team. But with the youngsters, trust me, it will be difficult. Ivory Coast against Ghana, you need some players who can bring cool heads,” Adebayor said.

Ghana open their qualifying campaign away to Ivory Coast at Stade de la Paix on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September, as Queiroz looks to build early momentum in Group C.

The Black Stars will round off the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.