Big Blow for Ghana as Winger Joseph Paintsil Pulls Out of CAR Clash With Injury

• Joseph Paintsil has suffered an injury ahead of the CAR game
• The KRC Genk winger has been granted permission to return to Belgium
• Ghana need a point to qualify for the Nations Cup in Ivory Coast

KRC Genk winger, Joseph Paintsil has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad to face the Central African Republic.

The 25-year-old suffered a knock and will not be available for Thursday's clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Paintsil has been granted permission to return to his club in Belgium for further assessment.

"The winger sustained the injury in the last period of his League game against Anderlecht on Sunday and was later substituted - forcing him to withdraw from Thursday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Central African Republic. The player will return to his club immediately to commence rehabilitation," the FA confirmed on their official website.

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The former Tema Youth star's absence will be a big blow to the Black Stars, who are already without Arsenal star Thomas Partey and Daniel Amartey of Besiktas.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will continue preparations in Kumasi ahead of the game on Thursday.

Ghana needs at least a point to secure their place at the tournament in Ivory Coast next year. The team will also face Liberia in a friendly on September 12, 2023 in Accra, as reported by GNA.

Black Stars begin training ahead of CAR clash

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

Twelve players reported for training with the rest of the team expected to arrive on Tuesday before the squad leaves for Kumasi to continue preparations for the important game.

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Captain Andre Ayew and West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Kudus were all involved in the first day of practice under the supervision of coach Chris Hughton.

Black Stars players arrive for CAR game

The players of Ghana's national team, the Black Stars, have started arriving in Accra ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic.

The four-time African champions risk missing the tournament in Ivory Coast despite sitting top of Group E heading into the final round of games.

The Black Stars need at least a point to secure qualification, with Chris Hughton naming a strong squad for the game in Kumasi on September 7, 2023.