Massive Blow: Alexander Djiku Ruled Out of Ghana’s AFCON Qualifier Against Gambia on Tuesday

Ghana defender Alexander Djiku will miss the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Gambia on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Spartak Moscow man picked up an injury during the match against Ivory Coast last Thursday in Boauke and was forced out of the game.

Djiku enjoyed 71 minutes of action before he was replaced by Jonas Adjetey.

His absence significantly weakens Ghana’s defensive stability in crucial fixtures, such as their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, most especially against The Gambia. 

Djiku brings vital composure and top-tier club experience to the backline, which helps organize the entire team under pressure. 

The 32-year-old central defender earlier missed the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover from a late-season injury picked up during club action (the Russian Cup final against FC Krasnodar).

Ghana will be hoping to redeem themselves on Tuesday against the Gambia, having lost to Ivory Coast 2-0 in their first AFCON qualifying match.