Andre Ayew Unaffected by Black Stars Exclusion – Agyemang-Badu
Former Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has assured that Andre Ayew is not disturbed by his absence from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Ayew, who has played over 120 matches and scored 24 goals for the Black Stars, has not featured for the national team since their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Despite delivering impressive performances for his club, Le Havre, in the French Ligue 1—where he has netted five goals this season—his name was left out of the squad once again. Agyemang-Badu acknowledged that Ayew has been in good form but stressed that team selection is ultimately the coach’s decision. He explained that while performance is a key factor in choosing players, the coach’s judgment should be respected. Even though Ayew's omission from the squad might have surprised some, Agyemang-Badu emphasized that the player himself remains calm and unbothered by the decision.
According to Agyemang-Badu, he personally spoke to Ayew and confirmed that the experienced forward is not upset about being left out of the squad. This suggests that Ayew is maintaining a professional mindset and focusing on his club career rather than reacting negatively to the exclusion. Meanwhile, the Black Stars have started their training camp in Accra, preparing for their crucial upcoming fixtures. The team held their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium, with key players such as Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jojo Wollacott, Antoine Semenyo, and Thomas Partey already reporting to camp. Ghana is set to face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to play against Madagascar on Monday, March 24. The team is determined to perform well in these qualifiers as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana currently holds second place in Group I with nine points, tied with group leaders Comoros. This makes the upcoming matches crucial in determining their qualification chances. Although Ayew’s absence may be a talking point among fans, the Black Stars are focused on achieving their goals. Agyemang-Badu urged Ghanaians to rally behind the team instead of dwelling on controversies, stressing that national unity is essential for success. The ongoing training camp and match preparations reflect the squad’s commitment to improving their performances following their AFCON disappointment. While some may question why an experienced player like Ayew was omitted, his exclusion also highlights the coach’s approach to building a competitive and well-balanced squad. Whether Ayew will return to the Black Stars in the future remains uncertain, but for now, both he and the team appear to be moving forward with their respective ambitions.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0