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0 Stephen Appiah believes Andre Ayew is not done with the Black Stars despite his recent omission from the latest squad to face Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The 34-year-old was a notable omission from coach Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the crucial assignment sparking a debate as to whether it was a sign of a closed door for the Le Havre attacker.
However, Appiah, also a former Ghana captain, believes Ayew’s age means nothing provided he continues to prove himself as he has recently done with his club.
“In my experience watching the AFCON, for instance, Max Gradel, 37 was around of the Ivory Coast team. He played and made a difference. At times when we talk about the future we have to know the kind of player we are dealing with. If somebody is 38 – 40 and still delivering, why not? Ryan Giggs was 41 but played better than those in the 25,” Stephen Appiah told 3Sports.
Ayew, who joined the French Ligue 1 side scored five league goals in 19 appearances playing a significant role in the team’s survival.
Otto Addo snubs in-form Andre Ayew ahead of Mali, CAR matches
I had a long talk with Andre Ayew – Otto Addo
“From what I have seen, I think he has proven himself. I mean the Dede we saw in 2010 is not the same Dede [[Andre] but I think his recent exploits [especially with his club].
He believes Ayew’s presence could be key in inspiring the rest of the team even if it doesn’t mean giving him enough minutes on the pitch.
“We shouldn’t look at a Dede who is coming to play 90 minutes or 45. He can be around the team. I think [he still has a part to play in the team], even if it’s not on the pitch, off the pitch.”
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have intensified preparations as they hope to bounce back from their recent poor form and stay on course for the qualification of the 2026 World Cup.
They will face Mali on June 6 in Bamako before returning to host CAR at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
The post Appiah believes Andre Ayew is not done with Black Stars first appeared on 3News.
