Appiah assures Ayew of his Black Stars future

Andre Ayew remains key to Ghana's plans Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says Andre Ayew remains a key component of his team despite excluding him from the Nations Cup.

Appiah axed the 23-year-old from his provisional list for failing to meet the reporting deadline to camp in Abu Dhabi.


Ayew picked up a hamstring injury last Wednesday while training with his French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille.


He was expected to report early for the Black Stars medical team to assess him but his delays irked Appiah.


There are fears, his relationship with the head coach is strained and that might jeopardize his international future.


But Appiah has moved to dispel all that.

"I have personally explained the rationale behind the decision to Andre and I will continue to count on him in future matches if he is fit," Appiah said.


Ayew has been a key player for Ghana since breaking into the team at age 17.


He has played in three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations finals.


The second son of legend Abedi Pele captained Ghana's U20 to win the 2009 African and World Youth Cups.