Jordan Ayew has been named the new captain of the Black Stars, with head coach Otto Addo appointing him to lead the team in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Ayew, a seasoned forward for Leicester City, takes over from Mohammed Kudus, who will continue to play a key role on the team and understudy Ayew in a leadership capacity.
Addo’s decision follows disappointing results under Kudus’ captaincy in the recent double-header against Sudan, which ended in a 0-0 home draw and a 2-0 away loss. Explaining the leadership change, Addo stated, “Jordan Ayew will captain the Black Stars in Thomas Partey’s absence, as I believe Mohammed Kudus still has a lot to learn to be a captain.”
Jordan Ayew, who recently demonstrated his capabilities with a hat-trick against the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, now has the chance to inspire the Black Stars and deliver the success Ghanaians are hoping for.
Otto Addo has announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
The squad features three home-based players who have impressed in the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League: Isaac Afful (FC Samartex 1996), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), and Emmanuel Antwi (Asante Kotoko) are the home-based players.
Emmanuel, a 24-year-old former Accra Great Olympics player has been instrumental for the Porcupine Warriors this season – making nine appearances in the ongoing Ghana Premier League. Antwi has scored one goal, earned one Man of the Match award, and accumulated 733 minutes of playtime.
As one of three home-based players invited for this month’s qualifiers, Antwi will vie for a spot in the team ahead of the matches against Angola on Friday, November 15, and Niger on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Also in the squad is France-based Nathaniel Adjei who plays for Ligue 2 side FC Lorient. KAS Eupen goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, is returning to the team after over a year’s absence.
To qualify for the Morocco 2025 tournament, Ghana must secure victories against Angola and Niger and hope Sudan drops points in their final matches.
The Black Stars face Angola in Luanda on Friday, November 15, before hosting Niger at Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024.
