Ghana's Black Stars have officially named Jordan Ayew as captain for their final qualifiers in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Angola and Niger. Head coach Otto Addo appointed Ayew, who plays for Leicester City, following the absence of regular captains Andre Ayew and Thomas Partey.
This change in leadership is significant, as Ghana’s qualification journey has faced setbacks, leaving the team without a win in their qualifying campaign so far. To keep their hopes alive for the AFCON 2025, Ghana needs not only to win both upcoming games but also to rely on other results. They will first face Angola in Luanda on November 15 at the Estádio 11 de Novembro before hosting Niger in Accra on November 18, 2024.
The decision to make Jordan Ayew captain reflects Addo’s confidence in his experience and leadership on the field. Previously, Addo had given West Ham's Mohammed Kudus the captain’s role in their double-header against Sudan, which saw the Black Stars end with disappointing results: a 0-0 home draw and a 2-0 away loss.
These outcomes were a blow to Ghana’s qualification chances and stirred criticism from both fans and sports analysts. Ghana now finds itself in a difficult position, having previously lost 1-0 to Angola and drawn 1-1 with Niger. Addo's recent discussions with Ayew emphasized the importance of stepping up in these last qualifiers, a move that could galvanize the team as they strive to finish the campaign on a strong note.
With Ayew as captain, the Black Stars are hopeful for a renewed fighting spirit that can turn the tide in their favor. The experienced forward has been part of the national team for years and has built a reputation as a resilient player.
Ghana's qualification journey may be an uphill battle, but if Ayew can inspire his teammates to victory in these crucial games, it could pave the way for the Black Stars to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament. With Ayew’s leadership and the team's determination, Ghana aims to make these last two matches count as they look to rekindle their hopes for a place on the continental stage.
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