Ghana national team coach Carlos Queiroz has defended his decision to retain Jordan Ayew in the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ayew, 35, has been included in the team despite growing calls for him to retire from international football. Queiroz described Ayew as a "young boy" and emphasized his importance to the team. Ayew has been a key player for Ghana, serving as captain and bringing valuable experience to the squad.
Ayew's inclusion in the squad comes after a difficult 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, where he failed to register a shot on target during Ghana's matches. His club career has also had a slow start, with only three appearances for Sheffield United in the English Championship. Despite this, Queiroz believes Ayew remains a vital part of Ghana's plans as he begins reshaping the Black Stars. The coach has retained many players from the 2026 World Cup squad while introducing new ones.
Queiroz highlighted the age of the players in the current squad, noting that Ayew is still a relatively young player. He emphasized that Ayew is starting to renew his career and will play a key role in the team's rebuilding process. As captain, Ayew will be expected to provide leadership during the qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Ghana will begin their campaign away against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, 2026.
The Black Stars will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. After the qualifiers, Ghana will travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the Atlas Lions on October 4. Ayew's experience and leadership will be crucial in these matches as Ghana seeks to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the 2025 tournament.
Queiroz has made nine additions to the Black Stars squad for the AFCON qualifiers, blending experience with youth. The team will be looking to make a strong impression under Queiroz's guidance. Ayew's role in the team will be closely watched, with many critics questioning his continued inclusion.
Despite criticism surrounding Ayew's form and age, Queiroz remains confident in his abilities. The coach's decision to retain Ayew demonstrates his trust in the veteran forward. Ayew's performances in the upcoming matches will be crucial in justifying Queiroz's faith in him.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be an important test for Ghana's new-look squad under Queiroz. With Ayew leading the team, Ghana will be looking to secure victories against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. The team's performance will provide a glimpse into their chances of success in the tournament.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz has defended Jordan Ayew's inclusion in the Ghana squad despite calls for him to retire.
- Ayew will captain the Black Stars in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
- Queiroz has retained a significant portion of the squad that represented Ghana at the 2026 World Cup while introducing new players.
