Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to miss the Black Stars’ two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Somalia in November after sustaining an injury that could keep him out of action for approximately eight weeks.
The 26-year-old reportedly faces a spell on the sidelines following an injury suffered during Manchester City’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town. Medical assessments indicate that his return could come in December, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses.
Semenyo’s expected absence represents a major setback for Ghana, who are seeking to revive their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign after a difficult start that has left them bottom of Group C.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia twice during the November international window, which runs from 10 to 18 November. With qualification for the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at stake, Ghana are likely to be without one of their key attacking players for both fixtures.
Semenyo sustained the injury after entering Manchester City’s match against Ipswich as a 77th-minute substitute for Jeremy Doku. He appeared uncomfortable following the incident and went straight down the tunnel at the final whistle, raising concerns about the severity of the problem.
The forward’s condition is expected to determine when he can return to action, although a December comeback has been identified as a potential target.
His absence would leave Ghana’s technical team searching for alternative attacking options ahead of the encounters against Somalia. Semenyo’s pace, direct approach and capacity to contribute goals have made him an important part of the national team’s attacking plans.
The timing of the injury is particularly challenging for Ghana, whose position at the bottom of Group C has increased the importance of the upcoming fixtures. The team will need to make the most of the available players as they attempt to improve their standing and keep their hopes of reaching the continental tournament alive.
Semenyo has also made a positive contribution at club level this season. Since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth, he has scored twice and provided three assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
His injury is therefore likely to affect both his international commitments and City’s plans during a demanding period of the campaign. The club are competing in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and EFL Cup, making his potential absence a concern as they navigate several competitions.
For Ghana, attention will now turn to identifying players capable of filling the gap in attack while the medical team continues to monitor Semenyo’s recovery.
The November fixtures against Somalia offer the Black Stars an important opportunity to get their qualifying campaign back on track. However, the prospect of losing the Manchester City forward for both matches leaves the team facing an additional challenge at a crucial stage of the competition.
Unless his recovery progresses considerably faster than expected, Semenyo is unlikely to be available for the double-header. Ghana must therefore prepare for the two qualifiers without one of their leading attacking talents as they pursue a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
