Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has dropped veteran forward Jordan Ayew from the starting lineup for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali.
The game is the first of two qualifiers this month for Ghana with the Black Stars set to take on Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday, June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Ghana take on Mali in Bamako in serious need of a win as the Black Stars head into the game ranked fifth in Group I’s standings after recording a loss and a win thus far in its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
Jordan Ayew was omitted from the team’s attacking trio that has Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah in it.
Ayew’s older brother, Andre Dede, was omitted from the 26-man squad in a surprise move by Addo on his return to the Black Stars head coaching role.
Brighton and Hove Albion defender, Tariq Lamptey, makes a return to the starting lineup after missing out on Black Stars duties since competing for Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
