Otto Addo to Decide on Andre Ayew

Ibrahim Sannie Daara, the former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, has urged fans and critics to allow coach Otto Addo to make the final decision on whether to include Andre Ayew in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This comes amid growing calls for the national team to transition away from certain players, including the captain, whose influence is perceived to be diminishing.

Andre Ayew’s participation in recent matches has been limited, fueling speculation about his future in the team. He made only a late substitute appearance against Uganda in the last international break, following his absence from the bench in the match against Nigeria. Despite his strong finish to the season, where he scored five goals to help Le Havre avoid relegation in the French Ligue 1, critics remain unconvinced.

Many anticipate Ayew’s exclusion from Otto Addo’s squad for the upcoming games against Mali and the Central African Republic in June. However, Daara believes the coach should have the final say in the matter. In an interview on Asempa FM, Daara stated, “It is up to the coaches to decide. If I say you should invite him, then people will say it is Sannie who said we should invite Dede.”

Daara emphasized that the coaches should be allowed to make their own decisions, based on their assessment of the players’ performances. “If the coach would invite him or not, it is his prerogative. His performance during the season is in front of him to assess and make his decision,” he said.

Daara also noted that while Ayew’s performances are there for everyone to see, including the coaches, it is ultimately up to the coaches to decide whether to invite him to the squad or not. “Even though we are presenting the receipts of his performances to the coaches, it is their decision to invite him or not. But as for his performances, it is there for everyone to see, including the coaches,” he added.

The Black Stars are scheduled to play Mali in Bamako on June 6th, followed by a match against the Central African Republic four days later. The upcoming games are crucial for Ghana’s World Cup qualification hopes, and the team’s selection will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

Andre Ayew’s experience and leadership qualities have been valuable assets to the team in the past, but his recent form has raised questions about his continued inclusion. Coach Otto Addo faces a tough decision, balancing the need for experience and leadership with the desire to introduce fresh talent and ideas to the team.

The debate over Ayew’s inclusion has sparked a wider conversation about the need for transition and renewal in the national team. Some argue that it is time for the team to move on from older players and give younger talent a chance to shine, while others believe that experience and leadership are essential for success.

Whatever the outcome, coach Otto Addo’s decision will be closely scrutinized by fans and critics alike. The Black Stars’ success in the upcoming games will depend on a combination of skill, strategy, and teamwork, and the team’s selection will play a crucial role in determining their chances of success.

It is up to coach Otto Addo to make the tough decisions and select the team that he believes has the best chance of success. As Daara emphasized, “It is up to the coaches to decide.”