Alexander Djiku has been ruled out of the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia after failing to recover from the injury he sustained against Ivory Coast.

The experienced centre-back picked up a knock during Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to the Elephants in Bouaké in their opening Group C fixture. Djiku was forced off late in the game, having led the side as captain in the absence of Jordan Ayew.

He had initially hoped to regain fitness in time for the Black Stars’ next assignment, but medical assessments have confirmed that he will not be available for selection.

Djiku’s absence comes as a fresh setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is seeking a positive response from his side after their disappointing start to the qualifying campaign. Ghana were beaten 2-0 by Ivory Coast, with Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie scoring for the hosts.

The Black Stars will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday in their second Group C match, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00pm.

Ghana will be looking to secure their first points of the campaign, but they must do so without one of their most experienced defenders. Djiku’s withdrawal could open the door for one of the other central defenders in the squad, including Jerome Opoku, Jonathan Adjetey or Derrick Luckassen, to take his place in the starting line-up. Ghana’s squad also includes Alidu Seidu, Rockson Yeboah and Kojo Oppong Peprah among the available defensive options.

The Gambia game has added importance for Ghana following the defeat in Bouaké. The Black Stars are in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia, and will be determined to avoid a second successive setback as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON.