The Gambia assistant coach Abdul Jammeh says their missing players hurt more than Ghana’s absentees ahead of Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Accra.
The Black Stars will be without captain Jordan Ayew, vice-captains Alexander Djiku and Thomas Partey, plus forwards Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo. Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged fans to back the squad despite these absences.
But Jammeh told local media the Scorpions’ situation is worse. “We have missed five players who have scored 24 goals for us over the past few months,” he said. “Our absentees are more important than the Black Stars players who are missing.”
Ghana lost their opening Group C match 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire. The Gambia won 2-1 against Somalia. The Black Stars sit bottom of the group and need a positive result at Accra Sports Stadium to revive their chances.
Jammeh’s comments reflect confidence despite The Gambia missing several key scorers. The five absent players have combined for 24 goals recently, a significant loss for the squad. Ghana’s lineup, while affected by the absence of its captain and other leaders, still includes experienced players.
Queiroz has focused on team spirit and fan support to make up for the missing stars. The Black Stars have struggled early in this qualifier, and Tuesday’s match is a chance to avoid another tough start.
The Gambia’s assistant coach insists their missing players have greater impact on their current squad than Ghana’s absences do on theirs. Both teams face pressure to make up ground in the group after opening results.
The match will test how each side copes with the challenges of missing key personnel.
According to Joy Online.
