Ghana announces squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers without André Ayew
Ghana has unveiled its squad for the opening two matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with the notable absence of captain André Ayew. The Black Stars will face Angola in Kumasi on September 5, 2024, before heading to Niger for their second Group F match on September 9, 2024.
National coach Otto Addo announced the list of players who will represent Ghana in these crucial fixtures.
Among those called up are returning key figures such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, and Mohammed Kudus.
However, André Ayew, a long-time stalwart of the national team, has not been included in the squad for these matches.
The omission of Ayew, a player with extensive experience and leadership within the squad, comes as a surprise to many.
Ayew, who has captained the Black Stars through several international campaigns, has been a central figure in Ghanaian football for over a decade.
His absence from the squad list could signal a shift in approach by coach Addo as he looks to build a team capable of a strong showing in the qualifiers and beyond.
In contrast, the inclusion of Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey provides a significant boost to Ghana’s midfield strength.
Kudus, who plays for West Ham United, is seen as one of the most promising talents in African football, while Arsenal’s Partey offers both experience and stability in the centre of the park.
The return of Inaki Williams, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, adds a dynamic attacking option for the team, and Jordan Ayew, who currently plays for Crystal Palace, brings further experience to the forward line.
Ghana’s upcoming fixtures against Angola and Niger are seen as crucial in their campaign to secure a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held in Morocco.
The Black Stars will be aiming for a positive start in Kumasi, where they will enjoy home advantage, before tackling a potentially challenging away fixture against Niger.
Coach Otto Addo’s selection suggests a strategy focused on blending youthful energy with seasoned experience, as the team seeks to build momentum in the qualifiers.
The decision to leave out André Ayew, however, raises questions about the direction of the team under Addo’s leadership. Whether this choice is tactical or driven by other considerations remains to be seen.
Ghana will hope that the mix of returning players and fresh faces can deliver the desired results in these opening matches, setting a solid foundation for their journey to AFCON 2025.
With their eyes on continental glory, the Black Stars will look to navigate these early tests successfully and establish themselves as strong contenders in the tournament.
🚨Head Coach Otto Addo has named the squad for our upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola & Niger. 📝
🇬🇭 #BlackStars will face Angola in Kumasi on September 5, 2024, before heading to Niger for the second Group F match on September 9, 2024.… pic.twitter.com/OMpKlw8eTL
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) August 29, 2024
