Ghana have been dealt a major blow ahead of their important 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match against England after goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was ruled out of the tournament with injury.
The 29-year-old suffered a groin injury during Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama in their first match of the tournament.
Ati Zigi was injured in the first half after a heavy collision with a Panama player while coming off his line to make an important save.
Although he received treatment and tried to continue playing, he was clearly struggling and was replaced at half-time by Benjamin Asare.
Medical tests have now confirmed the injury, and Ati Zigi is expected to be out for around three weeks.
His absence is a big setback for coach Carlos Queiroz and the Black Stars, especially with England up next.
Before leaving the match against Panama, Ati Zigi made an important early save that helped keep Ghana in the game before Caleb Yirenkyi scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
The injury means he will miss Tuesday’s match against England in Boston and could also miss the rest of the group stage, depending on Ghana’s progress.
However, there is confidence in the Ghana camp after Benjamin Asare’s strong performance against Panama.
The goalkeeper helped Ghana keep a clean sheet and is now expected to make his first World Cup start against England.
England go into the match after a 4-2 victory over Croatia, making it a difficult challenge for Ghana.
The Black Stars will hope Asare can step up and help the team get a positive result that could bring them closer to reaching the knockout stage.
Ati Zigi’s injury adds to Ghana’s problems, with midfielder Thomas Partey already missing the opening match of the tournament.
Even so, the Black Stars remain focused on building on their winning start and keeping their momentum going at the World Cup. Continue to More Sports.
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