Ghana international Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was sent off as Ipswich Town suffered a narrow defeat by Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
The 22-year-old winger was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards during the week-five meeting at Hill Dickinson Stadium, bringing a disappointing end to his afternoon.
Everton secured all three points with a 1-0 victory after Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute.
Issahaku was shown his first yellow card before half-time. After the break, the Ghanaian was booked for a second time, resulting in his dismissal and leaving Ipswich to continue the match without one of their attacking players.
The early goal ultimately proved decisive, with Everton unable to add to their advantage but doing enough to hold on for victory on home territory.
Barry gave the hosts the lead after only 11 minutes, putting Everton in front before Ipswich were able to respond. Despite the visitors’ efforts, no further goals were scored and Everton claimed maximum points.
The defeat marked a difficult outing for Issahaku, who has featured in each of Ipswich’s first five Premier League matches since joining the club.
Issahaku moved to Ipswich Town in July 2026, signing a five-year contract after his spell with Leicester City. The winger has been involved in every one of the club’s opening five league fixtures and has provided one assist during that run.
His sending-off against Everton was therefore his first major setback of the campaign as Ipswich continue their Premier League season.
The Ghana international will now turn his attention to national-team duty after being selected for the Black Stars’ squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Issahaku is expected to report to the Ghana camp early next week as the national side prepares for a demanding international schedule.
Ghana’s first fixture will be an away meeting with Ivory Coast on 24 September. The Black Stars will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.
The international period will conclude with a friendly against Morocco.
Issahaku’s involvement with Ghana means he will quickly have the opportunity to move on from the disappointment at Everton and contribute to the Black Stars’ preparations for their upcoming matches.
For Ipswich, the focus will return to domestic competition after the international break, with the club looking to respond to the defeat and build on the campaign.
Issahaku’s red card means he will leave the Everton match disappointed, but his consistent involvement since arriving at Ipswich has established him as part of the club’s early Premier League campaign.
The Ghanaian’s next assignment will now come with the national team as Ghana begin preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, followed by the friendly against Morocco.
