Partey denied entry to Canada, will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama

Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada and will not feature in Ghana's opening World Cup group match against Panama in Toronto. Ghana lose their most experienced central midfielder for a fixture where a fast start carries significant weight in group qualification. Partey is Ghana's most influential midfielder and his absence fundamentally weakens their ability to control possession and protect defence in a match they will be expected to win.