Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has explained the reason behind the omission of Andre Ayew from the Black Stars squad. He said the decision was reached after he discussed it with the veteran midfielder.
Fielding questions after announcing a 26-man squad for the June doubleheader against Mali and the Central African Republic, Otto Addo said he speaks to the players directly before inviting them.
“I had a long talk with Andre and gave him the reason why he is not in the squad. I talk to players directly, and I don’t like to put information out about what we spoke about,” Otto Addo explained.
Otto Addo revealed that Andre Ayew was not pleased with the decision but it still had to happen. He said he has huge respect for Andre Ayew.
“This is the decision we took, and it is not like he necessarily agreed, but I still have big respect for him.”
The omission comes as a shock to many observers especially, after the winger picked up form with French side Le Havre. His contributions towards the end of the season helped his side avoid dropping to the French Ligue 2.
Meanwhile, Andre Ayew is part of a tall list of notable absentees including Daniel Amartey, Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, Joseph Paintsil, Nathaniel Adjei, Dennis Odoi, Daniel Kofi Kyere and Joseph Aidoo who miss out but through injuries.
The Black Stars will play Mali on June 6 in Bamako before taking on the Central African Republic on June 10 in Kumasi. Currently, they lie 4th in Group I after winning and lose one each of their first two matches.