Black Stars team manager Ameenu Shardow has firmly denied suggestions that Ghanaian players deliberately feign injuries during international friendlies and AFCON qualifiers. His comments follow public speculation after several key players were absent from the team’s recent defeats to Japan and South Korea in the Kirin Challenge Cup.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Shardow called on Ghanaians to rely on official updates from the Ghana Football Association rather than rumours circulating online.
“When the GFA puts out official information that a player is injured, do not doubt us at all. Because these things are science,” he said, emphasising that medical assessments, not convenience, determine player availability.
The controversy heightened after the likes of Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku missed Ghana’s 2–0 loss to Japan and 1–0 defeat to South Korea in November. Their absence led to questions about the legitimacy of the reported injuries.
Head coach Otto Addo, speaking after the South Korea match, also highlighted the challenges posed by injuries during squad preparation. He confirmed that Francis Abu, Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Semenyo were all ruled out.
Abu suffered two fractures against Japan and has since undergone surgery, while Salisu and Semenyo returned to their clubs for further treatment. Addo added that visa complications made it difficult to bring in replacement players at short notice.
The GFA hopes the clarification will ease public concerns as the Black Stars continue preparations for upcoming world cup.
