With West Ham’s ‘Starboy’ Mohammed Kudus currently experiencing poor international form, widespread criticism and even the ‘cursed shirt’ challenge of the Ghanaian Number 10 weighing heavily on his shoulders, the last thing his Ghana national team needed was a loss in their return match in the AFCON qualifier. A 2-0 defeat on Tuesday afternoon has left them virtually unable to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations which will be held in Morocco in December 2025 and January 2026.
For the proud country of Ghana to fail to qualify will be an enormous blow to the football-loving nation, its coach and Kudus as captain too.
For his Premier League club – whoever that may be – it would be a distinct bonus: Of course, we all hope it will still be West Ham
It would mean the Ghanaian will be available for his domestic club’s full Christmas and New Year programme next season. Something between seven and nine games, usually, which had Ghana qualified would have made him ‘absent’ for a huge chunk of the season: And whilst that would not have deterred any potential buyers it might have made one or two reflect before bidding up to battle it out for his signature.
This can only make Kudus more ‘valuable’ to any club considering bidding for him in next Summer’s transfer window when his £85 million release clause- kept under wraps pretty effectively last summer by West Ham – will become active again.
From the old Bobby Moore Upper to the Billy Bonds’ stand these days I’ve been watching since ’03 and a supporter since about 1970.. ‘Football is Life’ oh yes. Let it raise your spirit but never darken your mood. Life’s too short not to enjoy the journey with our Claret and Blue heroes n’ villains
Ghanaian media have slammed Mohammed Kudus after the West Ham United star failed to inspire the national team to victory over Sudan.
The Black Stars succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against 120th-ranked FIFA side Sudan in the AFCON qualifiers on Tuesday (15 October
Wearing the captain’s armband, Kudus played the full 90 minutes but was unable to prevent a devastating loss that has now jeopardised the team’s AFCON qualification.
3News did not hold back with their criticism of the 24-year-old as they rated him 5/10 and wrote: “The captain has been a shell of himself since the 2023 AFCON. Kudus’ shot and pass selections were not the best. His run of games without scoring for the Black Stars have increased to seven and will face even more pressure.”
Pulse acknowledged Kudus’ efforts but gave him a score of 4/10 and wrote: “The captain of the side, Mohammed Kudus, tried to lead by example by creating magic from the first whistle but that wasn’t enough to inspire the team.”
Ghana Soccer Net wrote along similar lines: “The 23-year-old was hoping to steer the team to victories but failed to inspire the side
3News journalist Owuraku Ampofo, meanwhile, labelled the whole team as “embarrassing” via X and shared an image in which Kudus was rated 6.1.
Woes continue for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus
There are no doubts about Kudus’ abilities and he remains both one of the best players in the Hammers and Ghana squads.
However, the winger’s form this season is certainly a cause for concern for both club and country.
He went on an eight-game goal drought before netting for the first time this season in the Irons’ 4-1 win against Ipswich Town on 5 October.
Similarly, Kudus has not scored in each of his last seven appearances for Ghana, with his last goal being the second of a brace in the 2-2 draw against Egypt in the AFCON in January.
He missed a sitter in the Black Stars’ stalemate against Sudan on Thursday (10 October), although he was still the team’s standout performer.
Julen Lopetegui’s side sit 12th in the league, having won just two of their seven games so far, and Kudus must return to his best as they look to climb up the ladder
He will have the opportunity to set things right when the Irons visit Tottenham on Saturday (19 October).
