In a surprising move, Otto Addo, the Head Coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, announced the exclusion of team captain Andre Ayew from the 27-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR).
The decision, revealed during a press conference in Accra, has stunned both the sporting media and Ghanaian football fans, especially given Ayew’s excellent form, having scored five goals for his club Le Havre in the French Ligue 1.
Explaining the decision, Coach Addo shared that he personally visited Ayew in France to discuss his choice.
“I had a long talk with Andre, I visited him and explained to him why he was not in the squad at the moment.
“It was a difficult decision to make because I like him as a person and player.
“I have big respect for him as a legend and he holds the record for the number of appearances for the Black Stars and has achieved things that a few have done,” said Addo.
He acknowledged that Ayew did not fully agree with the decision but emphasized that it was made in the best interest of the team.
In Ayew’s absence, Thomas Partey has been named the captain for the two critical World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Addo, who is under a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Ghana Football Association, will begin preparations with the 27-man squad on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.
The first of the qualifiers will see the Black Stars face Mali at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
The team will then compete against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
