The exclusion of Andre Dede Ayew from the Black Stars is the beginning of the end of his international career, according to seasoned sports journalist, Nana Darkwa Gyasi.
From 1860 Munich to Olympique Marseille in his formative years as a budding young footballer, Ayew has carved a niche for himself despite having a global football legend as his father.
Leading the national under-20 side of Ghana, the Black Satellites, to World Cup glory in 2009 and making his competitive debut for the Black Stars a year earlier may be his proudest moments as a son of the land of gold.
With the honors bestowed on him in years past, one might wonder how it all turned sour for the Ghanaian.
Despite scoring in the second group game at the 2022 AFCON, he eventually ended up being sent off in the next as Ghana lost to minnows, Comoros, leading to their humiliating elimination from the competition.
His performances in the subsequent continental and global showpieces have no doubt contributed to his fall from the darling boy status he once enjoyed from Ghanaian fans.
Since Otto Addo, the head coach of the Black Stars, announced a 26-man team with no mention of the captain Dede Ayew in it, there have been numerous conversations on whether it is time for him to call it quits on his international career.
One of those conversations was on Max 89.7 FM’s Sports Pack show, where Nana Darkwa Gyasi insisted this may be the time Ayew should start considering retirement from the national team.
The Ghana Premier League commentator revealed Otto Addo’s centered focus is building a team with the young and talented players available.
With Mohammed Kudus leading a new generation of Black Stars, the future can only be deemed bright for the team as he has the likes of Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Issahaku Fatawu, Ibrahim Osman, Ibrahim Sulemana, and more of the experienced guards such as Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and a few others supporting.
‘Capito’, as he is commonly known to peers, has the reputation of not backing out of challenges, a trait echoed by his publicist, Fiifi Tackie, in a social media post following Otto Addo’s announcement.
“Andre Ayew’s dedication to Ghana is unwavering and lifelong, a commitment that began in his childhood and remains unshakeable to this day. Through thick and thin, he stands proudly as a son of the nation, his passion and loyalty to Ghana burning bright for all to see. Today, tomorrow, and forever, Andre Ayew’s heart beats for Ghana.”
Fans, pundits, and dedicated critics would be eager to witness how the team would fare without its most-capped player in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Michael Mensah Martey
