Ghana coach Otto Addo has defended his decision not to call up captain Andre Ayew for the recent 2026 World Cup qualifying games, emphasising that his decisions are always made with the team’s best interests in mind.
Ayew, despite being in fine form, was left out as Ghana secured crucial victories over Mali and Central African Republic, reviving their World Cup qualification hopes after an initial win and defeat against Madagascar and Comoros.
Ayew’s exclusion has continued to spark debate, even though the team performed admirably without him. Addo has faced numerous questions regarding Ayew’s potential return, which he considers normal given Ayew’s stature in Ghanaian football.
“I think it’s a normal question. He’s a player. I said it before. I mean, he’s a legend, living legend,” Addo praised Ayew in an interview with 3Sports.
“He has done so much for the nation. He sacrificed so much for the nation. Good guy, with good character. I mean, he represents Ghana these days like no one has. But, surely, as a coach, I have to think and I have to think about the Ghana national team, what’s best for the Ghana national team.”
Addo elaborated on his decision-making process, noting that he had a private discussion with Ayew before making his choice.
“And I had a good conversation with him, and I took my decision. And, I said it before, it won’t be fair to talk about something about the content in public. And this is a private conversation, and I want to keep it as us. But like I said, I take my decision, and, in the end, always for the best of the nation and also for the team.”
Ghana will resume action in September for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Whether Ayew will be included remains to be seen, as Otto Addo will again have to weigh his options and decide what’s best for the national team.
By Enoch Fiifi Forson|3Sports|Ghana
