AFCON 2024: Ghana denies West Ham’s request to field Kudus against Brighton

Ghana has rejected a request from West Ham United to allow Mohammed Kudus to play against Brighton on Tuesday.

Kudus has been called up to Ghanaian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations starting on January 13.

West Ham’s upcoming game against Brighton, falls within the period when Premier League clubs are obligated to release their players for the African tournament, which starts from January 1.

Despite West Ham’s request for special dispensation to delay Kudus’s reporting due to their game being rescheduled to January 2, Ghana’s coach Chris Hughton is adamant that all players adhere to the scheduled reporting date.

Nayef Aguerd, West Ham’s Moroccan defender, is also expected to be unavailable.

Kudus’s absence could be a significant setback for West Ham, considering his impressive performances since joining the club from Ajax in the summer.

He has scored nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for his side, making him a key player for the team.

Having missed the previous Africa Cup of Nations due to injury, he is now set to represent Ghana this time.

Meanwhile, if Ghana progresses far in the tournament, Kudus will miss several crucial matches for West Ham, including clashes against Manchester United and Arsenal.