GFA reveals reasons behind Sulemana and Abdul Mumin’s withdrawal from Ghana squad for 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar

The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) head of communications, Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the absence of Abdul Mumin and Kamaldeen Sulemana from the Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros.

Coach Chris Hughton initially included Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Mumin in the 25-man roster last Thursday. However, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku of Leicester and Nurudeen Abdulai of Medeama have since taken their places.

Henry Asante Twum clarified the coaching staff’s reasoning, shedding light on the unanticipated adjustment.

“At any point when you make a call-up, you need to speak to the player you need to speak to their clubs when the player gives you a green light the club doesn’t have the power to stop you unless in an extreme circumstance that the player is injured,” he told Peace FM.

“Kamaldeen after the World Cup has played only two games for us and he had a long injury layoff he is now back and picking up after talking to the technical team the player feels he will need some time to pick up his form then he can avail himself for national duties.

“With Mumin since we exited the 2021 Afcon group stage he hasn’t gotten closer to the team he has recently signed for Rayo Vallecano and now getting game time so he also says he will need some time to put himself together,”

The Black Stars will play Madagascar at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium on Friday, November 17, and later travel to Moroni to face Comoros.