Dede Ayew still has more to offer the Black Stars - Stephen Appiah

Former Ghana Captain, Stephen Appiah, has opposed the exclusion of Andre Ayew from Coach Otto Addo's squad, asserting that the 34-year-old still has more to offer the Black Stars.

The 34-year-old was left out of Coach Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers games against Mali and the Central African Republic.

Stephen Appiah argued that Ayew's age should not be a determining factor as long as he continues demonstrating his worth, as he has been doing for his club.

“In my experience watching the AFCON, for instance, Max Gradel, 37, was part of the Ivory Coast team. He played and made a difference. At times, when we talk about the future, we have to know the kind of player we are dealing with. If somebody is 38–40 and still delivering, why not? Ryan Giggs was 41 but played better than those in their 25s,” Stephen Appiah told 3Sports.

He also explained that Ayew's experience and presence could be invaluable in motivating the Black Stars, even if he is not capable of playing the full 90 minutes.

“From what I have seen, I think he has proven himself. I mean, the Dede we saw in 2010 is not the same Dede [Andre], but I think his recent exploits, especially with his club, are noteworthy.

“We shouldn’t look at a Dede who is coming to play 90 minutes or 45. He can be around the team. I think he still has a part to play in the team, even if it’s not on the pitch, off the pitch,” he added.

Ayew scored five league goals in 19 appearances for Le Havre last season in the French Ligue Un.

JNA/AE