Ghana coach Otto Addo has indicated that Andre Ayew’s potential return to the Black Stars is contingent upon his ability to secure a club and deliver impressive performances.
Ayew has been left out of the squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger, marking his second consecutive omission following the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, where Ghana achieved victories over Mali and the Central African Republic.
Despite being in good form at the time, Ayew was not included in the squad, and Addo explained that he had communicated his decision to the former Swansea City star.
While Ayew did not agree with the decision, Addo defended his choice, suggesting that the team’s direction is evolving. Ayew’s latest exclusion, which many anticipated due to his current status as a free agent after leaving Le Havre, raises questions about his future with the Black Stars, where he has been a key player since 2007.
During his squad announcement on Thursday, Addo emphasised that he has not completely closed the door on Ayew’s international career. “Andre Ayew is a quality player, but at the moment, he is not with us. He doesn’t have a club at the moment, but the future is unpredictable,” Addo stated.
He further elaborated, “If he secures a club, performs well, and scores 20 goals, maybe he can return because we are building something for the future.” Ghana will face Angola on September 5, followed by an away match against Niger on September 9, 2024, as they aim for a strong start in their AFCON qualifying campaign.