Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has been omitted from Otto Addo’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) next month.
Despite finishing the French Ligue 1 season with five goals for Le Havre, Ayew did not receive an invitation from Addo. This exclusion is reportedly part of a strategic shift being implemented by the coach.
Veteran players such as Daniel Amartey and Thomas Partey are included in the current squad but may see reduced roles in future selections. The new-look Black Stars are expected to emphasize younger talents, with Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Tariq Lamptey set to take on more prominent responsibilities.
The Black Stars will play against Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a home match against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10.
