Jordan Ayew is expected to continue as captain of the Ghana national team, a decision that has reportedly caused tension with Thomas Partey, who has long held a leadership role within the squad.
Discussions between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and head coach Otto Addo indicate that the Crystal Palace forward will remain the team’s leader heading into their next international fixtures.
A shift in leadership for the Black Stars
Ghana is undergoing a period of transition, particularly following its disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Amid this restructuring, the focus has turned to the captaincy debate, with Ayew emerging as the preferred choice to wear the armband.
Reports suggest that Partey, a key figure for the Black Stars for several years, is unhappy with the decision to appoint Ayew as the permanent captain.
The Arsenal midfielder, who has previously led the team, is reportedly reluctant to accept the role of vice-captain.
Partey’s future in the squad uncertain
The GFA and Otto Addo are keen on solidifying a leadership group within the team, with Ayew set to lead and Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Kudus also being considered for vice-captain roles alongside Partey.
However, it remains unclear whether the midfielder will accept this arrangement or if his discontent could lead to his absence from the next squad selection.
Ghana is scheduled to play two crucial 2025 World Cup qualifying matches in March against Chad and Madagascar.
Partey’s availability for these fixtures is uncertain, as his stance on the captaincy issue could influence his involvement with the national team.
Ayew’s leadership credentials
Jordan Ayew has been a mainstay in the Black Stars setup, bringing experience and consistency to the squad.
His leadership role has grown significantly over the past year, with the GFA and coaching staff viewing him as a player who can guide the team through its current period of uncertainty.
As the Black Stars prepare for their upcoming qualifiers, the captaincy debate adds another layer of intrigue to Ghanaian football.
Whether Partey will accept a secondary leadership role or step away from international duty remains to be seen, but the decision on who wears the armband could have significant implications for the team’s future.
