Ghana’s national team coach Otto Addo has officially selected Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew to captain the Black Stars for the final two matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This critical decision comes as Ghana’s journey to qualify for the upcoming tournament in Morocco hangs in the balance, with the team facing must-win games against Angola and Niger.
The Black Stars will first travel to Luanda, where they will face Angola’s Palancas Negras on November 15. Three days later, they’ll return to the Accra Sports Stadium to host Niger in what could be their last chance to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON. Although Angola has already secured its place in the tournament, the clash remains crucial for Ghana, whose qualification chances have grown increasingly uncertain.
Coach Addo’s choice to assign the captaincy to Jordan Ayew was confirmed on November 7, following recent discussions within the team. Ayew steps into the leadership role in the absence of regular captain Andre Ayew and vice-captain Thomas Partey. Both players are unavailable for the qualifiers, necessitating a temporary shift in leadership as the Black Stars fight to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
This decision comes after a controversial October international break, during which Addo selected West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus as captain for the qualifiers against Sudan. Ghana faced a tough outing in those matches, falling short in both games and jeopardizing their qualification trajectory. The decision to overlook Jordan Ayew in favor of Kudus had sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning Addo’s judgment on team leadership.
Now, with Ayew back in the captain’s position, Addo is aiming to stabilize the team’s structure and provide a seasoned leader to guide Ghana through these decisive games. Reports suggest that the coaching staff met with Ayew in Leicester to iron out any lingering differences and solidify a shared vision for the team’s critical upcoming matches. As a seasoned international with experience on big stages, Jordan Ayew brings a wealth of leadership to a side in dire need of direction and unity.
Ghana’s current standing in the AFCON qualifying series places intense pressure on the team. Following four challenging matches, the Black Stars have managed just two points, placing them third in the group standings. The team has endured two losses and two draws, a record that has left fans and analysts concerned about the squad’s performance and overall AFCON prospects. The possibility of missing out on the tournament would mark a significant setback, as it would be Ghana’s first AFCON absence in two decades.
The Black Stars must now secure victories in their final two games while also depending on favorable outcomes in other group fixtures. Specifically, Ghana must rely on Sudan to underperform against both Angola and Niger to improve the Black Stars’ chances of advancing. These circumstances make the upcoming matches against Angola and Niger not just pivotal but potentially decisive in determining Ghana’s future in the competition.
For coach Otto Addo, the stakes are exceptionally high. Addo has faced a wave of scrutiny over his recent decisions, including his choice of captains and the team’s overall performance during the qualifiers. The pressure to deliver has only intensified as Ghana approaches the final rounds of qualifiers with no room for error. His recent decision to reinstate Jordan Ayew as captain is seen by many as an attempt to address prior criticisms and bring experience to a team that has struggled to find consistent form.
Ayew’s leadership will be essential as the Black Stars seek to overcome the hurdles that have defined their AFCON journey so far. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that his experience and determination can inspire the team to perform at its best. As the most senior member available, Ayew’s role goes beyond leading on the field; he is also expected to motivate and unify a team that has had its fair share of challenges during the qualifiers.
The upcoming match against Angola in Luanda will test the team’s resilience, especially considering Angola’s qualification is already secured. The Palancas Negras have little at stake, but this could work in Ghana’s favor if the team approaches the match with focus and determination. Three days later, Ghana will face Niger at home, a fixture that could ultimately decide whether the Black Stars will advance to the AFCON or endure the disappointment of missing out on the tournament for the first time since 2004.
As Ghana’s national team heads into these final qualifiers, the spotlight remains on Otto Addo and Jordan Ayew. The duo’s ability to steer the team through this high-pressure moment will not only impact Ghana’s place in the 2025 AFCON but also influence the future trajectory of the Black Stars’ management and leadership.
The next week will be crucial for Ghana’s AFCON dreams. The Black Stars must show unity, resilience, and the determination to overcome the setbacks that have plagued them so far in the qualifiers. With Ayew now at the helm, fans are hopeful that his leadership will provide the necessary push to secure victories in the final matches and keep the team’s AFCON aspirations alive.
As they prepare to face Angola and Niger, the Black Stars understand the weight of the challenge before them. Their performance will be a testament to their ability to respond under pressure, with the stakes higher than ever. Ghanaian football fans are rallying behind their team, hoping that the Black Stars will find the strength to overcome adversity and reclaim their place among Africa’s top football nations.
