Former Ghana international Kenneth Sarpong has called for the return of experienced forward Andre Ayew to the Black Stars squad following the team's recent underwhelming performances.
Ayew, who recently signed with French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, has been left out of the national team for three consecutive call-ups under coach Otto Addo.
The 33-year-old forward was excluded from the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June and missed the subsequent selections for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana, four-time AFCON champions, recently picked up just one point from their double-header against Sudan. A goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium was followed by a 2-0 defeat at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya, leaving the Black Stars on the brink of missing out on AFCON qualification for the first time since 2004.
Speaking in an interview with Kessben FM, Sarpong, a former Hearts of Oak midfielder, advocated for Ayew’s return to the team, stressing the forward’s leadership and motivational qualities.
“Andre Ayew being on the bench will not cause any problem at Black Stars camp. His presence in the team will be extra motivation. He knows how to motivate players when the going gets tough. It will be better to have him back in the team,” Sarpong remarked.
Sarpong also expressed disappointment at the treatment Ayew has received in recent times, noting, “A patriotic player like Andre Ayew does not deserve bad treatment.”
Ayew, who has been a key figure for the national team over the years, is hopeful of making a return to the Black Stars after securing his move to Le Havre, where he has resumed playing regularly.
The Black Stars will be back in action in November, facing Niger and Angola in their final AFCON 2025 qualifying matches, where a return for Ayew could provide much-needed experience and stability for the team.
