GFA pulls out of Morocco friendly ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Ghana cancels planned October friendly with Morocco, opting to focus on 2027 AFCON qualifying after heavy losses and player absenteeism.
The Ghana Football Association confirmed the cancellation of a scheduled friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October. The decision follows a 2-0 opening loss to Ivory Coast and a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia, both in Group C AFCON 2027 qualifiers. The match was part of the October international window but will not take place as planned.
Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Baba Rahman and Nathaniel Adjei were unavailable for the Morocco fixture due to club commitments. Several key players therefore could not join the squad, forcing technical staff to reconsider the lineup for a crucial qualifier.
The GFA also cited unpaid winning bonuses as a financial concern that influenced the withdrawal. Rather than increase its obligations to the national team, the association chose not to proceed with the friendly. Public statements expressed regret to fans, media partners and stakeholders affected by the change.
The cancellation reduces Ghana’s fixtures in the October window to two. The GFA plans new arrangements for upcoming qualifier stages and aims to build momentum in the race to qualify for AFCON 2027. The upcoming matches against The Gambia and Comoros will now carry even greater importance for the Black Stars’ campaign.
