AFCON qualifiers: Djiku out with injury; Jonas Adjetey as replacement

Ghana defender Alexander Djiku will miss the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger due to a thigh injury.

The 30-year-old, who plays for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, sustained the injury during a match against Alanyaspor on Friday.

He limped off the field in the 61st minute, and initial scans have revealed a Grade One strain in the quadriceps of his right thigh. Djiku is expected to require 10 to 14 days for recovery, which will keep him out of the qualifiers.

Djiku, who debuted for the Black Stars in October 2020, has earned 31 caps for Ghana. He was originally part of Otto Addo’s 23-man squad for the upcoming matches.

To fill Djiku’s spot, FC Basel defender Jonas Adjetey Adjei has been called up. At just 20 years old, Adjetey will make his debut for the Black Stars. He has been impressive in the Swiss Super League this season, featuring in all six games for FC Basel.

Adjetey’s football career began at Teshie Football Academy, and he has since played for Accra Great Olympics and Berekum Chelsea before joining Basel.

Adjetey will join the national team on Monday to prepare for the qualifiers. Ghana will face Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 5, followed by a match against Niger in Berkane, Morocco, on September 9.