Ghana head coach Otto Addo has stated that veteran forward Andre Ayew does not fall within his immediate plans. Andre, 35, has been absent from the Black Stars since March 2024 despite playing a key role in the beginning of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The former Olympique Marseille forward has been in some blistering form for Ligue 1 club Le Havre, notching 4 goals in 11 appearances but that has not been enough to merit a call up according to coach Otto Addo.
"If we need Andre Ayew, we will call him. At the moment, I see others ahead of him," Addo said in an interview with Joy Sports.
In a sharp rebuttal, Ayew family spokesperson Fiifi Tackie has described the comment by Otto Addo on Andre Ayew as “shocking” and “disappointing.”
“Coach Otto Addo’s comments on Andre Ayew are shocking and disappointing. On numerous occasions, the same coach has said one of the key criteria for selection into the national team is active club participation.
“How can Ayew, Ghana’s most-capped player, a three-time World Cup veteran, and a proven leader be deemed unworthy even when playing well at his club in the French league?
“Ayew’s legacy and commitment to the Black Stars are undeniable. His experience, leadership, and track record in major tournaments speaks volumes.
“It is baffling that a coach who failed to qualify Ghana for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations would so casually dismiss the contributions of a player who has consistently delivered for his country and is playing week in and week out at his club.
“Such remarks are not only disrespectful to Ayew but also undermine his sacrifices and the pride he has brought to Ghana football. Coach Addo’s comments are unprofessional and unbecoming of someone in his position,” the statement to Pan-Africa Football read.
During Ayew's absence from the national team, his brother, Jordan Ayew, has stepped in as the substantive captain of the Black Stars.
Ghana secured crucial victories over Chad and Madagascar in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, beating the former 5-0 in Accra and the latter 3-0 in Morocco.
These two consecutive wins have propelled Ghana to the top of Group I with 15 points, leaving them with four matches remaining in the qualification campaign.
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