News Focus
- Thomas Partey blocked from Canada entry because of pending criminal trial in London
- Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu ruled out with injuries
- Jordan Ayew leads the attack despite poor form at Leicester City
- Four players from French Ligue 1 clubs included in starting lineup
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi starts in goal ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic keeper Joseph Anang
Visa problems have troubled several national squads travelling to North America. Ghana face a unique challenge with midfielder Thomas Partey. The former Arsenal player recently joined Villarreal in Spain. While American authorities welcome him into the USA, Canadian officials have refused him entry at the border.
Court documents show Partey claimed he had no criminal charges against him. However, he currently awaits trial in London for serious allegations including sexual assault. This legal situation has created complications for the Black Stars camp.
Injuries have further weakened the squad. West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus and Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu both miss the match. They have withdrawn from the travelling party.
The technical team has named a strong starting eleven for the clash. Lawrence Ati-Zigi will guard the goal. This selection means fans will not see Joseph Anang from Irish club St Patrick’s Athletic between the posts.
The defence features Gideon Mensah, Jeremiah Adjetey, Nicholas Opoku and Marvin Senaya. Emmanuel Yirenkyi and Elisha Owusu will operate in the centre of the pitch.
In attack, London-born Antoine Semenyo starts after a difficult campaign with Bournemouth in the English top flight. Captain Jordan Ayew leads the line despite his scoring struggles at Leicester City. The veteran striker has netted 34 times in 120 appearances for his country.
French clubs provide significant talent for this fixture. Auxerre contributes three players to the starting team: midfielder Elisha Owusu and full-backs Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya. Lyon forward Ernest Nuamah also features in the attack.