In a surprising move, Ghanaian national team coach Otto Addo has decided to exclude veteran forward Andre Ayew from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Austria and Germany. The decision, confirmed by media reports, comes despite public calls for the reintegration of the 36-year-old attacker into the national team setup.
Ayew, one of Ghana’s most experienced forwards, returned to competitive football earlier this year after a six-month break following his departure from French side Le Havre.
The veteran forward subsequently signed with Dutch club NAC Breda, who are currently battling relegation in the Eredivisie. Since joining the club as a free agent, Ayew has made 10 appearances, scoring one goal, a return that prompted calls for his inclusion in the Black Stars’ squad for the March friendlies.
Despite these appeals, Addo and his technical team have opted to leave Ayew out of the squad. The decision reflects a strategic approach by the coaching staff as they prioritize squad balance, tactical cohesion, and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Ayew last represented the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Ghana was eliminated at the group stage. His absence from the upcoming friendlies indicates that the coaching staff is likely exploring younger options or players in better current form to fine-tune the team ahead of the global tournament.
Ghana is scheduled to play Austria at Ernst Happel Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026, with kickoff at 17:00 GMT, before traveling to Stuttgart to face the 2014 World Cup winners on Monday, March 30. These matches form part of the team’s intensive pre-World Cup preparation schedule, which also includes friendlies against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L of the 2026 World Cup alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. Their campaign kicks off against Panama on June 17, followed by England on June 23, and concludes against Croatia on June 27. After early group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022, Ghana is determined to produce a more competitive and resilient performance on North American soil.
While Ayew’s exclusion may spark debate among fans and pundits, it highlights the challenges faced by veteran players trying to re-enter a squad that is evolving under Addo’s leadership. The final team for the March friendlies is expected to be officially announced later this week, giving supporters an early glimpse of the squad that will be evaluated ahead of the World Cup.
The decision also underscores the balancing act the Black Stars coaching staff faces: integrating experienced players while providing opportunities for younger talents to stake their claim, maintain squad fitness, and implement tactical systems ahead of the most important tournament in world football.
This report further emphasizes the ongoing dialogue within Ghanaian football circles regarding player selection, form, and readiness for the national team. For Andre Ayew, the focus will now shift to performing consistently for NAC Breda in the domestic league to potentially earn a recall in future Black Stars selections.
