D BLACK RAISES QUESTIONS AFTER ANTOINE SEMENYO WITHDRAWS FROM BLACK STARS SQUAD
Ghanaian musician D Black has joined the growing online discussion surrounding Antoine Semenyo’s withdrawal from the Black Stars squad, saying something must be wrong. Reports indicate the Manchester City forward pulled out because of an ankle problem as Ghana prepares to face Côte d’Ivoire in its opening 2027 AFCON qualifier.
ACCRA, Ghanaian musician D Black has raised questions over Antoine Semenyo’s withdrawal from the Black Stars squad as concerns grow over the number of key players unavailable ahead of Ghana’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.
Semenyo withdrew from the national team for the September and October international window as he continues to deal with an ankle problem.
The Manchester City forward was expected to be one of Ghana’s major attacking threats against Côte d’Ivoire, making his withdrawal a significant setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Reports from 3Sports and other Ghanaian outlets indicate that Semenyo is dealing with a swollen ankle and will miss the upcoming qualifiers.
Semenyo reportedly requested to be excused from international duty to focus on his recovery and was prepared to undergo independent medical checks through the Ghana Football Association.
The development quickly generated discussion among Ghanaian football supporters, particularly because Semenyo has enjoyed an impressive start to the club season.
D Black joined the conversation on social media after reports of the withdrawal emerged.
The musician questioned the circumstances surrounding Semenyo’s absence, writing that something must be wrong.
His comments have added to speculation among supporters, although there is currently no verified evidence suggesting Semenyo’s withdrawal resulted from anything other than the reported ankle problem.
No dispute between Semenyo and the Ghana Football Association or Black Stars technical team has been publicly confirmed.
The timing of his absence is particularly significant for Ghana.
The Black Stars travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, September 24, in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ghana will then return home to face The Gambia in Accra.
Semenyo is not the only major player unavailable to Queiroz.
Mohammed Kudus has also withdrawn as he continues his recovery following a lengthy injury absence, while Thomas Partey is unavailable with a hamstring problem.
Other players have also faced medical uncertainties, forcing the technical team to make several changes to the original squad.
Nine players have been added as Ghana attempts to strengthen the squad.
The additions include Brandon Thomas Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena Gyan in attack.
Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Ebenezer Annan and Rockson Yeboah were added in defence, while Rahim Ibrahim was called into midfield.
Semenyo’s absence could nevertheless be particularly significant because of his recent form.
The 26 year old has established himself as one of Ghana’s leading attacking players and has made a strong start to the season with Manchester City.
His withdrawal therefore leaves Queiroz with another major selection decision ahead of what is expected to be a difficult opening qualifier away from home.
Ghana’s preparations are continuing despite the withdrawals, with the Black Stars beginning camp in Accra before their trip to Côte d’Ivoire.
For now, reports indicate that Semenyo’s withdrawal is connected to his ankle condition.
D Black’s reaction reflects the questions being raised by some supporters online, but there has been no official indication that another issue is behind the forward’s decision to withdraw.
