Ghana’s Black Stars coach, James Kwesi Appiah, has resolved the uncertainty surrounding André Ayew’s participation in the 29th Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Afflicted by a tendon issue, the Olympique de Marseille midfielder was excluded from the preselected group for the Ghanaian team before the January 9 deadline for the final 23-man squad. This decision was influenced by Ayew’s delayed arrival in Abu Dhabi for the Black Stars’ preparation camp.
In a press release on Monday, Kwesi Appiah stated, “I have decided to exclude midfielder André Ayew from the Ghana squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Following André’s inability to join the Black Stars team on Monday morning so that the Ghana medical team could assess the extent of his injury and his fitness for the tournament, I decided to only work with the players currently there.”
Expected to join the training camp on Saturday, Ayew, who suffered from a detached aponeurosis, remained in France for consultation with his doctor despite being released by his club. The coach further explained, “The uncertainty over André’s health began when the Ghana Football Federation (GFA) received a letter from his club, Marseille, indicating that he was injured and would not be able to meet the deadline of Saturday, January 5.”
In response to Marseille’s communication, the GFA requested Ayew to undergo medical examinations with the Black Stars’ medical team. However, Ayew did not comply and informed that he would arrive on Wednesday, January 9, after receiving treatment from his doctor. This would mean he would miss the six training sessions scheduled before the CAF deadline for the final squad announcement.
Kwesi Appiah concluded, “I personally explained my decision to André, and I will continue to count on him in the future if he is available.” The Africa Cup of Nations commences on January 19, with Ghana, placed in Group B, beginning their campaign on January 20 against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
