Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reiterated his responsibility to Ghana’s National Men’s Football Team in response to questions over Andre Dede Ayew’s absence in the team.
In his first pair of official games since being appointed head coach of the Black Stars, Addo omitted Dede Ayew from his 26 man squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic (CAR).
Ghana beat Mali 2-1 in Bamako and CAR 4-3 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to move to the summit of Group I standings. Jordan Ayew scored a hat trick in the win over CAR. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
In his post CAR game presser, Addo reiterated that the decision to drop Dede Ayew was his; he said this in the presence of Dede Ayew’s brother, Jordan.
“Let me talk for Jordan, it’s his brother. Surely, he wants him to be next to him but it’s my decision. Surely as a brother he would like him to be next to him but I have a responsibility to the national team, to Ghana and I have to decide what is best for the team.”


The Group leader at the end of the 10 game qualification phase qualifies to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.