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Black Stars Head Coach Chris Hughton has defended his decision to include Andre Ayew in Ghana's squad for the first two 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this month.
Despite being omitted from the team for the October friendlies against Mexico and the United States, Ayew is set to return for the games against Madagascar and Comoros.
Questions arose among Ghanaians about Ayew's inclusion, particularly since he has been without a club this season.
Hughton, however, emphasized Ayew's significance to the national team.
"Dede Ayew is still a very good player and still somebody that can be the best player in training," the gaffer told BBC in an interview.
"He is somebody that has an added importance because he is captain - he is a very good influence to the younger players that are in the squad. And so it's not just about his playing ability, it's for what he means to the squad."
Ghana will host Madagascar at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, November 17, 2023, in the first two Group I games of the Mexico, Canada, and ISA tournament to be hosted in 2026.
Four days later, Ghana will play as guests to Comoros in the second group match as they hope to get some good results after the disappointing defeats last month.
Despite being omitted from the team for the October friendlies against Mexico and the United States, Ayew is set to return for the games against Madagascar and Comoros.
Questions arose among Ghanaians about Ayew's inclusion, particularly since he has been without a club this season.
Hughton, however, emphasized Ayew's significance to the national team.
"Dede Ayew is still a very good player and still somebody that can be the best player in training," the gaffer told BBC in an interview.
"He is somebody that has an added importance because he is captain - he is a very good influence to the younger players that are in the squad. And so it's not just about his playing ability, it's for what he means to the squad."
Ghana will host Madagascar at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, November 17, 2023, in the first two Group I games of the Mexico, Canada, and ISA tournament to be hosted in 2026.
Four days later, Ghana will play as guests to Comoros in the second group match as they hope to get some good results after the disappointing defeats last month.