Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been dropped from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, despite being fit and featuring in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League just one day earlier.
Partey’s omission has raised eyebrows, sparking speculation about his future with the Black Stars. While the decision was reportedly a tactical one made by head coach Otto Addo, it has left many wondering whether Partey’s commitment to the national team is being questioned.
The 31-year-old midfielder missed Ghana’s vital October doubleheader against Sudan, citing health issues and opting not to make the trip despite Ghana’s request for him to undergo a medical assessment. His absence during those matches contributed to Ghana’s struggles, as they failed to secure a win, significantly damaging their AFCON qualification hopes.
Partey’s loyalty to the national team has been under scrutiny in the past, and his swift return to action with Arsenal following the October international break only fueled the controversy. This latest exclusion suggests a potential shift in Ghana’s approach, with Addo making bold decisions in the face of the team’s challenging AFCON qualification path.
Ghana’s upcoming fixtures are critical: they will face Angola on November 15 in Luanda, followed by a match against Niger three days later. The Black Stars must win both games and hope that Sudan drops points to secure their place in next year’s AFCON tournament in Morocco.
With qualification on the line, the Black Stars face a tough road ahead, needing to deliver strong performances and depend on favorable results in other groups to continue their AFCON journey.
