Just 98 days remain until Ghana’s Black Stars take to the pitch at BMO Field in Toronto for their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Panama — a game that could prove tricky.
But as the countdown continues, all attention is on one question: should veteran forward André Ayew be included in what could be his final World Cup campaign?
The former Black Stars captain has not played for Ghana in two years, and coach Otto Addo has been clear that he is currently prioritising other options ahead of the 36-year-old.
After a long spell without a club, Ayew has returned to competitive action with NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. He has made four starts in nine appearances and recently scored a headed goal, reigniting discussion about his form.
Between recency bias and nearly two decades of service for the national team, debate has intensified across politics, media, and fan circles over whether Ayew deserves a final call-up.
So why has Otto Addo moved on from André Ayew?
When Otto Addo took over as Black Stars coach ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his partnership with André Ayew initially seemed perfect.
Ayew featured in almost every match, from pre-tournament friendlies to the World Cup itself. He scored in Ghana’s 3–2 loss to Portugal but also missed a crucial penalty in the 2–0 defeat to Uruguay, as the Black Stars exited at the group stage.
However, after his last appearance in a friendly against Uganda in March 2024, Addo appeared to signal that Ayew’s time with the national team might be over.
“I had a long talk with André. He is a living legend of Ghana. It was a difficult decision, but this is the decision we took, and I gave him the explanation. I have to make the best decision for the team,” Addo told the press.
There was a sense that Ayew, long influential in the dressing room, had outgrown his role — a player whose presence could occasionally complicate team dynamics if not managed carefully.
Benedict Owusu, three-time Ghana Journalist Association Sports Journalist of the Year, agrees that Ayew could still add value but emphasises the need for clarity: “He should be considered, but it’s key to have a conversation with him and define his role in the squad before you take him.”
Tactical considerations also play a role. Addo often deploys systems like 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2, which demand high pressing, mobility, and rapid transitions. These formations favour younger, more energetic forwards who can spearhead counter-attacks — an area where a 36-year-old Ayew may naturally struggle compared to emerging talents.
So, the question remains: is André Ayew needed in the Black Stars squad?
“Experience is the best teacher,” they say, and André Ayew has 17 years of that with the Black Stars.
The veteran forward is Ghana’s most-capped player, having made 120 appearances and scored 24 goals since debuting in 2007. But in the twilight of his career, he is no longer the player who stormed into Swansea City a decade ago, scoring 12 Premier League goals—including memorable strikes against Manchester United and Chelsea.
It’s true that Ayew can still produce crucial moments, a hallmark of his career, but the frequency of such game-changing contributions has naturally declined. Moreover, scoring has not been a problem for the Black Stars in recent times; the team netted 23 goals in 10 matches during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, averaging over two goals per game.
“He might be a very, very good player, but in this current setup, is he needed?” asked Sudan assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu on Luv FM. “For me, no. Dede is my man, but you leave when the applause is high.”
Some argue, however, that Ayew’s inclusion should be about rewarding years of dedication and loyalty rather than judging solely on current form. Ketu North MP Eric Edem Agbana told Citi FM, “We need to reward sacrifice, hard work, and loyalty.”
Who fills the void if Ayew is absent?
Since Ayew’s last appearance, Otto Addo has explored multiple attacking options across World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as well as friendlies. The squad now boasts a blend of young talent and established players capable of challenging any defence.
- Mohammed Kudus has cemented his role as the team’s creative hub, excelling as a number 10 while also capable of playing on the right wing. He set up five goals for Tottenham Hotspur this season before injury.
- Antoine Semenyo, the most prolific Ghanaian in the Premier League this term, has scored 15 goals and can operate anywhere across the front three.
- Jordan Ayew, captain and André’s brother, has contributed 14 goal involvements in World Cup qualifying (7 goals, 7 assists), demonstrating his versatility.
Other forwards in contention include Ernest Nuamah (pending fitness), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Christopher Bonsu-Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Joseph Paintsil.
Ultimately, the decision to include Ayew rests with Otto Addo. Even without him, the Black Stars’ attacking options are deep, combining youth and experience with strong team unity—a testament to the squad’s cohesion, not any suggestion of conflict with the veteran.
Upcoming friendlies
Ghana will use a series of friendlies to fine-tune ahead of the World Cup:
- March 27: vs Austria at Ernst Happel Stadium
- March 30: vs Germany in Stuttgart
- May 22: vs Mexico in North America (venue TBA)
- June 2: vs Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
These matches will give Addo the chance to assess his squad and finalize preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.