AFCON 2025Q: Andre Ayew and Amartey excluded from squad

Ghana forward Andre Ayew continues to be “exiled” from the national team after missing out on another call up.

Ayew was again missing as Black Stars coach Otto Addo named Ghana’s squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Thursday’s snub means Andre Ayew has not been invited to the National team since Otto Addo returned as head coach.

In May, Otto Addo said that : ”I had a long talk with Andre. Personally, I visited him and gave him the reasons why he is not in the squad at the moment. I usually hear it like this don’t talk about those in the squad. For me, I can say I don’t like to give information out about what we spoke about.

“At the moment, Andre is a living legend of Ghana. It’s unbelievable what he did for the country and It’s the most difficult decision because I like him as a person and also as a player. And this is a decision we took not like we totally agreed but I gave him the explanation so I don’t want to take it to another extent and say something for people to write about.”

Besiktas center back Daniel Amartey is another high-profile name, not invited by Otto Addo.

Just like Ayew, Amartey has not been invited to the team since the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, in January.

Ghana’s team for the double header is led by captain Thomas Partey. The Arsenal midfielder is in good form having started both matches for Arsenal and scoring in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Partey’s deputy, Jordan Ayew, has also been named in the squad, alongside Mohammed Kudus in the 23-man squad.