Otto Addo
Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has once again left out captain Andre Ayew from the squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
This decision marks the second consecutive time Ayew has been omitted, following his absence in the previous matches against Mali and the Central African Republic.
During the squad announcement on August 29, 2024, at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra, Addo addressed the press but refrained from repeating his reasons for Ayew’s exclusion.
He emphasised his confidence in the younger players who performed well in the previous games, noting that their inclusion is a strategic choice to build a competitive team for the future.
Despite Ayew’s absence, Addo clarified that the door is not permanently closed for the experienced forward, hinting at the possibility of his return.
“We did quite well playing young players, and I know it will get tough. I don’t want to explain myself why Andre is not here,” Addo stated, emphasising his focus on maintaining the team’s momentum with the current squad.
Ghana is set to play against Angola in Kumasi on September 5 before facing Niger in Morocco four days later.
The absence of Ayew, a key figure and leader in the Black Stars, will surely be a talking point among fans and pundits alike, as the team aims to secure qualification for the prestigious tournament.
The Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Frederick Asare, Joseph Wollacott
Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Kingsley Schindler
Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Abu Francis, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Majeed Ashimeru
Forwards: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Joseph Paintsil, Ibrahim Osman, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jordan Ayew