Ghana Suffer Injury Blow as Defender Gideon Mensah Pulls Out of Madagascar Clash

• Gideon Mensah has been ruled out of Ghana's game against Madagascar
• The Auxerre star picked up an injury before arriving in camp
• The Black Stars leave for Antananarivo on Friday for the game on Sunday

The Black Stars have been hit with another injury blow after defender Gideon Mensah pulled out of the squad for the upcoming game against Madagascar.

Forward Inaki Williams and defender Alexander Djiku were all withdrawn from the squad due to injuries.

Mensah's injury means the Black Stars have only one left-back for the trip to Antananarivo to face Madagascar in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“Gideon picked up a knee injury during the season but his club managed him conservatively until the end of the season. Upon assessment in camp on Monday, we decided to excuse him from this game in order not to aggravate the injury,” team medical head, Dr. Prince Pambo told ghanafa.org.

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“We expect him to have enough rest during the break to be able to recover on time for next season," he added.

Coach Chris Hughton will have to depend on Sheriff Tiraspol defender Patrick Kpozo for the game on Sunday.

The Black Stars need a point to seal qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

Black Stars hold first training

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Black Stars of Ghana held their first training session in Accra on Monday ahead of the penultimate Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Twenty-three out of the twenty-five players who reported to camp participated in full training as the players warmed themselves up ahead of Sunday's game in Antananarivo.

Thomas Partey and Gideon Mensah were the only players who did not take part in training and are expected to join the rest of the team on Tuesday as preparations continue.

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Black Stars players arrive

The Black Stars re-assembled on June 12 in Accra to start preparations, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Madagascar.

All 25 players arrived at the training camp looking stunning in their designer wear, as they reunited once again after duties at the club level this season.

The Black Stars will begin training on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium before their important trip to Antananarivo on Friday.