Appiah Denies Dropping Ayew

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has rubbished reports he’s under pressure to drop Jordan Ayew for Majeed Waris or Richmond Boakye Yiadom for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

Reports in the local media have claimed the ex-Ghana international is toying with the idea of leaving out the 20-year-old for his poor performances while playing for Black Stars.


Despite Ayew’s qualities on the pitch, the Marseille striker has often been criticized for his poor attitude on the field of play.


Ayew was severely criticized by fans for his poor showing in the World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Ndola and his showing against Malawi in Accra was nothing to write home about.


This according to the reports has informed the decision of the Ghana trainer to drop him, fearing it could negatively affect team spirit in camp.


He is reported to be considering replacing him with the Spartak Moscow new recruit or Richmond Boakye Yiadom or Emmanuel Clottey to partner Asamoah Gyan upfront.

But Coach Appiah has denied the reports and insists they are well wide off the mark. “These can only treated as rumours because it’s never true that I have excluded Jordan from my final squad because I have not finalized my team,” Appiah said.


“Yes, Waris has had a good season and so has Jordan but the decision has not been made yet.“I am in the man in charge and will not allow any person or group to force any player on me.”


Ayew has been poor in his recent outings for the Black Stars while players like Boakye-Yiadom and Clottey have been impressive in recent matches for the Black Stars.


The Black Stars coach is in the process of naming his final squad for the tournament which begins January 19 to February 10, 2013 in South Africa.