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Chris Hughton keen on Ayew’s experience despite issues over playing time raised
Chris Hughton keen on Ayew experience despite issues over playing time raised
Ghana coach Chris Hughton emphasizes that Andre Ayew remains a crucial figure for the Black Stars, despite the forward recently joining a club, raising concerns about his fitness.
Ayew, 33, signed with French side Le Havre on Saturday as a free agent after departing Nottingham Forest at the end of the previous season.
Although he captained Ghana at the recent World Cup in Qatar, he has not played competitively for a club since, causing some apprehension.
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Hughton has included Ayew in the squad for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros. The coach values Ayew’s leadership and skills, considering him an invaluable asset.
“Dede Ayew is still a very good player and somebody that can be the best player in training,” Hughton affirmed. “He is captain, a very good influence on younger players and not just about his playing ability.”
Despite Ayew’s limited match action since leaving Forest, Hughton is confident that he will play a pivotal role in the upcoming fixtures.
Ayew’s experience brings balance to Hughton’s mix of youthful and seasoned players.
With over 100 caps since his Ghana debut in 2007, Ayew provides leadership to guide emerging talents. Despite concerns about his recent club circumstances, Hughton is focused on the squad delivering positive results in the World Cup qualifiers, and Ayew’s know-how is expected to inspire the Black Stars.
Black Queens head coach Lars Kim Björkegren has described the path to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games as “really tough” but says he “believes in the girls” to get the job done.
The Queens strolled past Mauritius 10-0 to progress to the next phase and now will face Zambia in the third round, scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027.
“We have the potential to go all the way,” Björkegren said.
“In football, there is no easy game, especially when it comes to qualifying for the Olympics, as only two countries from Africa will go to Los Angeles.
“It is really tough to get there; we need to win. I believe in the girls, and I think we [will] be there.”
The Black Queens have never qualified for the Olympic Games in the country’s history.
Just two slots are available for African teams.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
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