African football updates: AFCON qualifying squads and selection controversies

African football faces several developments as national teams prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

In Ghana, the Minority in Parliament is demanding answers from the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports regarding Thomas Partey. The midfielder was named to the World Cup squad but was denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK. Additionally, Partey has been omitted from the upcoming AFCON qualifying squad due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Al Shabab, and defender Jonas Adjetey was also left out due to limited club playing time.

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his 30-man squad for the AFCON qualifiers, featuring a mix of established players like Ronwen Williams and new faces. Mosimane also discussed the tactical versatility of Relebohile Mofokeng. In domestic news, Mosimane noted the emotional significance of his former clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahli, facing each other in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Madagascar has also finalized its 25-man squad for qualifiers against Nigeria and Tanzania. The selection has sparked debate, particularly regarding the inclusion of goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher, who had previously declined national team call-ups. The Barea squad includes new additions Roman Ferber and Boucher to bolster the team's attacking and defensive options.