(Video) Why Coach Otto Addo left Andre Ayew out of Black Stars squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Ghana’s national football team coach, Otto Addo, has announced the exclusion of veteran player Andre Ayew from the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The decision has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike, given Ayew’s prominent role and contributions to the team over the years.
During a press conference, Coach Addo addressed the media, explaining his rationale behind the decision. He emphasized that the choice was not made lightly and involved a personal discussion with Ayew.
“I had a long talk with Andre,” Addo stated. “Personally, I visited him and gave him the reason why he is not in the squad at the moment. I don’t usually talk more about players who are not in the squad than those in the squad. I talk to players directly and I don’t like to give information out about what we spoke about. He is not part of the squad at the moment.”
Despite Ayew’s exclusion, Coach Addo was quick to acknowledge the player’s immense contributions to Ghanaian football. “Andre, as everyone knows, is a legend, a living legend of Ghana. What he has reached is unbelievable, what he did for the country. It was a difficult decision, honestly, because I like him, I like him as a person and also as a player, but this is a decision we took,” he explained.
The absence of Ayew, a player with a storied career and numerous accolades, will undoubtedly be felt by the team. Ayew has been a pivotal figure for the Black Stars, known for his leadership, skill, and dedication on the field. His exclusion raises questions about the future dynamics of the squad and the strategies Coach Addo plans to implement moving forward.
Coach Addo did not disclose specific details about the conversation he had with Ayew or the precise reasons for the exclusion, maintaining a level of discretion about their discussion. However, his comments suggest a strategic decision aimed at perhaps injecting new energy or addressing specific tactical needs within the team.
As the Black Stars prepare for their World Cup qualifiers, the focus now shifts to how the team will adapt without one of its most iconic players. Fans will be eager to see how this decision plays out on the field and whether it will help propel Ghana towards a successful qualification campaign.
Below is the squad:
Goalkeepers:
– Lawrence Ati Zigi
– Joseph Wollacot
– Fredrick Asare
– Ebenezer Annan
Defenders:
– Gideon Mensah
– Mohammed Salisu
– Jerome Opoku
– Abdul Mumin
– Alexander Djiku
– Alidu Seidu
Midfielders:
– Thomas Partey
– Edmund Addo
– Elisha Owusu
– Abu Francis
– Osman Bukari
– Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
– Ibrahim Osman
– Kamaaldeen Sulemana
– Brandon Thomas-Asante
Forwards:
– Jordan Ayew
– Mohammed Kudus
– Ernest Nuamah
– Salis Abdul Samed
– Ibrahim Sulemana
– Antoine Semenyo
See video:
Otto Addo clarifies the absence of Andre Ayew from the Black Stars squad.#Blackstar pic.twitter.com/8mVXJI3kV2
— Lord 🤴🏿✪ (@thehighestblog) May 29, 2024
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