Jordan Ayew wants Dede Ayew back to Black Stars but I'll decide - Otto Addo

Black Stars coach Otto Addo has asserted his authority as the ultimate decision-maker when it comes to the selection of players, revealing that the return of Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew will be his sole decision.

According to Otto Addo, external pressure will play no role in his decision to bring back Andre Ayew as the ultimate consideration will be his role and importance to the team.

In a press conference after Ghana's 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10, 2024, Otto Addo disclosed that Dede Ayew still has a future with the team, but he will decide when to bring him back.

"Let me speak for Jordan. It's his brother," Addo said. "Sure, he wants him to be next to him, but what will happen is my decision, it's our coaching staff's decision."

"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. And who knows? Maybe he's there, maybe not, but I don't know. Maybe I'm not there anymore. We don't know. We don't know what happens."

Dede Ayew was the most notable omission from the 26-man squad invited for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Mali.

In his absence, the Black Stars secured a double victory with a 2-1 win over Mali on June 6, followed by a 4-3 win over the Central African Republic on June 10, 2024.

His younger brother, Jordan Ayew, however, made the family proud, scoring four goals in the two matches.

Jordan Ayew, who started the game against Mali from the bench, scored the winner for Ghana and bagged a hat-trick against C.A.R at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Jordan Ayew's second hat-trick for Ghana marked his 100th appearance for the country.

EK