Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah has expressed disappointment over the absence of eight key players who have withdrawn from the squad ahead of Ghana's crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Speaking to the media after the team’s initial training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 11, 2024, Mensah acknowledged the significant loss but maintained a calm perspective, emphasising that every player has the right to make choices based on their personal circumstances.

The Auxerre defender added that the remaining squad remains focused on the task ahead, prepared to give their all in the upcoming fixtures.

“For me, I think, first of all, every player in the national team is very crucial to the team,” Mensah stated. “It’s a big loss for us, but at the end of the day, we still have a team ready to cover up. I’m not really scared about that. When one is not there, another player is ready to step in.”

Among the eight players who withdrew, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Osman Ibrahim, Jereme Opoku, Alexander Djiku, and Jonas Adjetey cited injuries. 

Joseph Paintsil, however, stepped down for personal reasons. The withdrawals present a significant setback to Ghana’s ambitions, as the Black Stars aim to boost their standing with strong performances against Angola on November 15 in Luanda and against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18.

Currently, Ghana sits in third place in Group F with two points, trailing Angola, who leads with 12 points, and Sudan, who holds seven points. The Black Stars must secure victories in their remaining matches and hope for Sudan to stumble in their final games to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.

Preparations kicked off in Accra with eight players—Mohammed Kudus, Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Osman Bukari, Joseph Wollacott, Emmanuel Antwi, Razak Simpson, and Isaac Afful—already in training. Key players are expected to join the squad by Monday to further strengthen the lineup. Coach Otto Addo will hold two additional training sessions in Accra before the team departs for Luanda on Wednesday.

The absence of several top players will challenge the Black Stars, but with a determined squad, the team remains focused on delivering a solid performance in the qualifiers.