Chris Hughton Explains Captain Andre Ayew’s Exclusion From Black Stars Lineup Against Angola

Chris Hughton Explains Captain Andre Ayew’s Exclusion From Black Stars Lineup Against Angola

The new coach of the Senior National Football Team of Ghana, Chris Hughton, has given reasons to why he did not include the captain of the team, Andre Ayew, in the starting lineup of Thursday’s Black Stars encounter with Angola in the 2023 AFCON qualifier.

The exclusion of the Nottingham Forest striker saw Arsenal star Thomas Partey captaining the side to a 1-0 late victory at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

According to the former technical advisor to the Black Stars who spoke in an after match presser, such choices to drop an experienced player like Andre is crucial but it became necessary for him to do that in the interest of the team. He explained decisions like that is an integral part of a coach’s duty.

“As a head coach, you have to make difficult decisions. You know the quality that Andre possesses, but you also know the quality of the rest of the squad,” He said. 

“Ultimately, it was my choice not to play him, but that doesn’t reflect on his abilities as a player. He remains a valuable member of the team.” He added.

Ghana will face Angola in the second leg on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Estádio 11 de Novembre in Luanda.