Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah's muscle strain threatens Ghana's AFCON 2027 qualifying push just when the Black Stars need a spark against Somalia.
Ghana's push to get their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign back on track has hit an early snag. Winger Ernest Nuamah is a major doubt for the November double-header against Somalia after picking up a muscle problem at Lyon.
The 23-year-old's issue came to light when he was left out of Lyon's Europa League tie with Real Sociedad on Thursday night. Interim boss Jorge Maciel later confirmed that Nuamah and defender Moussa Niakhaté are both nursing muscle strains. He said the club is hopeful both will be ready for Sunday's Ligue 1 trip to Brest, but admitted nobody knows yet and that more will be clear once the squad is back in Lyon.
That uncertainty is the last thing the Black Stars want. Ghana's qualifying form has wobbled, and the two games with Somalia, starting at the Essipong Stadium, are a chance to steady the ship. Nuamah's pace and directness on the flank have made him an important figure for Lyon this season, and Ghana would love to have that threat available.
For now it is a waiting game. If Nuamah shakes off the strain in the next few days, the Black Stars can breathe easy. If not, the coaching staff will have to find another way to unlock Somalia and bank the points Ghana need.
