Abdul Salam Yakubu Advocates for Andre Ayew’s Return to the Black Stars
Ghanaian football administrator Abdul Salam Yakubu has called for the return of veteran forward Andre Ayew to the Black Stars as the team prepares for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ayew has not featured for the national team since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having been left out of the squad following Otto Addo’s reappointment as head coach in March 2024. Despite his absence, the 34-year-old has been in impressive form for French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, scoring four goals in 17 appearances. Yakubu believes Ayew’s wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and ability to influence games would be invaluable to Ghana’s squad. As the Black Stars prepare to face Chad and Madagascar later this month, the veteran administrator insists that Ayew’s return would strengthen the team’s chances of securing important victories.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Yakubu emphasized Ayew’s long-standing dedication to the Black Stars, noting his ability to contribute both as a goal scorer and a playmaker. “Andre Ayew has always been committed to the national team, and even when he doesn’t score, he creates chances for his teammates,” Yakubu said. He further argued that Ayew’s leadership on the field could help stabilize the squad, particularly in high-stakes matches. Ghana currently sits in second place in Group I with nine points, making the upcoming qualifiers critical for their World Cup aspirations. Yakubu believes that bringing back a player of Ayew’s caliber would add depth and experience to the squad, giving them an edge against their opponents. Given his consistent performances in the French league, Ayew has proven that he still possesses the quality needed to perform at the highest level.
The Black Stars are set to host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to take on Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24. With the pressure mounting on the team to secure qualification, discussions regarding squad selection have intensified. Yakubu’s appeal for Ayew’s inclusion has fueled debates among fans and analysts about the role of experienced players in the national team setup. While some argue for the continued development of younger talents, others believe that seasoned players like Ayew still have a crucial role to play. Whether Otto Addo will consider Yakubu’s call remains uncertain, but Ayew’s recent performances in Ligue 1 suggest he remains a valuable asset capable of making a significant impact in Ghana’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
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