Just 98 days remain until Ghana’s Black Stars storm the BMO Field in Toronto for a potentially banana-skin clash against Panama in their opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But discussion around the team is dominated by one player, André Ayew – whether or not he should be handed a call-up to what may be his final dance at the global showpiece.
The former captain of the senior national team has not donned the Ghana jersey for two years, and coach Otto Addo has been very clear about “seeing others ahead” of the veteran forward.
After spending a long period unattached to a club, the 36-year-old is now playing competitive football for NAC Breda in the Eredivisie, with four starts in nine matches, scoring one goal with a header just few days ago.
Recency bias, coupled with nearly two decades of service for Ghana, has fueled intense debate among politicians, coaches, journalists, and fans over his possible inclusion.
Why does Otto Addo no longer prefer André Ayew?
The relationship between Andre and Otto Addo initially looked like a match made in heaven when the former Dortmund assistant coach took over the reins of the Black Stars ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Andre featured in almost every game, from the pre-tournament friendlies to the global showpiece itself.
He scored in Ghana’s 3–2 defeat to Portugal and also missed a crucial penalty in the 2-0 loss to Uruguay as Ghana exited at the group stage at the last World Cup.
However, after fielding him for the last time in a friendly against Uganda in March 2024, Otto Addo appeared to feel the forward’s time with the national team had come to an end.
Speaking to the press, Otto said: “I had a long talk with Andre. He is a living legend of Ghana. It was a difficult decision but this is the decision we took and I gave him the explanation. I have to take the best decision for the team.”
There was a sense of “when a bird becomes too big for its cage, you let it go” situation regarding André, who had long been influential in the dressing room and, at times, appeared almost impossible to bring to heel without risking backlash or offence.
Three-time Ghana Journalist Association Sports Journalist of the Year, Benedict Owusu supports the idea of selecting the attacker but “key though, have a conversation with him and define his role in the squad before you take him.”
Another factor is tactical flexibility. Otto Addo frequently deploys systems such as 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2, which demand high pressing, mobility and quick transitions. These systems often favour younger and more energetic forwards capable of leading counter-attacks, an area where Andre, at 36, may naturally struggle compared to younger options.
Is André Ayew needed in the Black Stars squad?
“Experience is always the best teacher,” they say, and Andre has 17 years of that with Ghana.
He is the most-capped Black Stars player with 120 appearances, scoring 24 goals since making his debut in 2007.
But in the twilight of his career, Andre is no longer the player he was a decade ago when he walked straight into Swansea City in the Premier League with an appetite for destruction, scoring 12 goals, including strikes against giants like Manchester United and Chelsea.
It is true the former West Ham United forward can still pop up with crucial goals when needed, something that has been a trademark of his career, but the tendency to come up with those moments regularly has doubtlessly dwindled.
Besides, goalscoring has not been a major problem for the Black Stars, particularly when looking at their recent performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, scoring 23 goals in 10 matches – atleast two goals per game.
“He might be a very, very good player but you ask yourself in this current setup, is he needed?” Sudan assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu told Luv FM.
“For me, no. Dede is my man, but for me you leave when the applause is high,” he added.
Others who clamour for his inclusion believe it should be about rewarding players who have served the nation faithfully, rather than purely judging them on current form.
Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, told Citi FM, “We need to reward sacrifice, hard work and loyalty.”
What are the options in Andre’s absence?
Since Andre’s last appearance for Ghana, Otto Addo has made nine international call-ups for various assignments, from World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to friendlies.
It is fair to say that, given the style of play he intends, there is a plethora of options – both newcomers and regulars – who are proficient enough to torment any backline in the world.
Mohammed Kudus, whose dribbling skill and creativity is highly rated, has essentially locked down the number 10 role. Kudus is also capable of operating on the right-hand side, where he set up five goals for Tottenham Hotspur before sustaining an injury this term.
Antoine Semenyo, who is the most-inform Ghanaian in the Premier League this season, has scored 15 goals – the third-highest tally this term – and is ambidextrous, able to feature across the front three.
Captain and brother of Andre, Jordan Ayew, is equally versatile, having been involved in 14 goals during the World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Ayew in 2026 World Cup qualifying
7 goals
7 assistsOne capito!!! pic.twitter.com/mEUqbUXaZ1
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) October 8, 2025
Other forwards waiting in the wings include Ernest Nuamah (if he recovers from injury), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Christopher Bonsu-Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Joseph Paintsil, and others.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Otto Addo on whether or not to select Andre for the World Cup.
However, the team is well-stacked in attack even in his absence, blending youth and experience, with strong unity in camp – which is in no way to suggest that Andre is a troublemaker.
Meanwhile, Ghana will face Austria on March 27 at Ernst Happel Stadium, before taking on Germany in their second friendly on March 30 in Stuttgart.
The Black Stars will then travel to North America for a friendly against Mexico on May 22 at a venue yet to be announced, before the final preparatory clash against Wales on June 2 at Cardiff City Stadium.
These matches are all part of Ghana’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup.
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