Ghana Suffer Major Blow as Top Striker Ruled Out of First Leg of World Cup Play Off Against Nigeria

• Forward Jordan Ayew could miss Ghana's first leg clash against Nigeria in the World Cup play-off after testing positive of COVID-19
• The Crystal Palace attacker missed the FA Cup game against Everton on Sunday afternoon at Selhurst Park
• Ayew has been confirmed part of the Ghana squad for the double header next week as Black Stars seek to return to the World Cup

The Black Stars of Ghana have been dealt a huge blow after forward Jordan Ayew is reported to have tested positive of COVID-19 ahead of the game against Nigeria.

The Crystal Palace attacker will miss the first leg in Kumasi at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Friday, but should be available for the second leg in Abuja.

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The striker missed Crystal Palace's FA Cup encounter against Everton on Sunday afternoon due to the setback.

Jordan Ayew will join his Black Stars teammates if he tests negative before the trip to Nigeria for the second leg of the World Cup play-off.

The 30-year-old Ghana attacker has been confirmed part of the Black Stars team for the double header even though the GFA is yet to release the squad for the games.

Crystal Palace brush aside Everton to progress in FA Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester City finally got the better of Southampton at the third attempt this season with a 4-1 win to move into the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

Crystal Palace also hit four to thrash struggling Everton 4-0 to make the last four.

City's bid to retain their Premier League title has been hindered by two draws against the Saints and Ralph Hasenhuttl's men held their own again for an hour at St. Mary's.

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Ghana FA release itinerary for Nigeria game

The Ghana Football Association has confirmed players of the Black Stars will start arriving for the blockbuster game against Nigeria on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

The team will depart for Kumasi, where the game will be played on Tuesday evening and will training on Wednesday and Thursday for the game on Friday.

However, the squad is yet to be released with five days left for the first leg at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.