Ghana coach reveals why he dropped Gyan and Ayew brothers
The Black Stars of Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has revealed why he dropped three big name players from his squad for Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Harambee Stars in Nairobi.
Captain Asamoah Gyan and Ayew brothers, Jordan and Andre, were left out of Appiah’s 23-man squad that pitched a three-day camp in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia before jetting into the country on Thursday.
Gyan and Andre Ayew ply their trade in Turkey while Jordan Ayew plays for English Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Speaking upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday night, Appiah said he wanted to give chance to other players to show their worth for future assignments.
“Ghana has a lot of players and I’m trying to know the team now, my intentions are not based on qualifying for Afcon but I am looking further than that,” he said.
NEW PLAYERS
“The only way we can do that is by bringing in new players, give them chance to play and prove to Ghanaians that they indeed deserve to be in the team. At the moment if one or two players are not invited, it doesn’t mean they are not in the team but it’s because other players are being tried,” added Appiah who will be leading the four-time African champions for the first time.
He offered that Kenya is a good side, having watched them in two previous games, but that he will put out a team that can register a positive result.
“We can never underrate them, I know it’s not going to be easy because they play in front of home supporters, but I will put out a team that will give a good show.”
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has been touted to captain the side in Saturday’s encounter.
Ghana, who thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in the opening round, top the group with three points same as second-placed Sierra Leone, who play bottom-placed Ethiopia in Addis on Sunday.