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Reasons Why Otto Addo Excluded Captain Andre Ayew from the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Squad

Captain Andre Ayew has been left out of the Black Stars squad for its next 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger, as head coach Otto Addo has done again.

With his exclusion from the previous matches against Mali and the Central African Republic, this decision represents Andre Ayew’s second consecutive omission.

On August 29, 2024, at the Ghana FA Headquarters in Accra, Addo announced the squad to the media. However, he did not reiterate his reasoning for leaving out Ayew.

He stated that he was confident in the younger players who had shown promise in the previous games and that their inclusion was a calculated move to create a competitive team going forward.

Even though Ayew isn’t there, Addo made it clear that the door isn’t always locked for the seasoned forward, raising the prospect of his comeback.

“We did quite well playing young players, and I know it will get tough. I don’t want to explain myself why Andre is not here,” Addo stated, emphasizing his focus on maintaining the team’s momentum with the current squad.

On September 5, Ghana will play Angola in Kumasi. Four days later, on September 6, Ghana will play Niger in Morocco.

Ayew is a vital member of the Black Stars and a leader, so his absence will undoubtedly be discussed by both fans and analysts as the squad attempts to qualify for the elite competition.

Ghana's coach, Otto Addo, has named the team for the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

In preparation for their forthcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, Ghana’s coach Otto Addo has revealed his starting lineup.

Notably, captain Andre Ayew, who isn’t with a club right now and wasn’t picked last time around, isn’t on the squad. Majeed Ashimeru, who had been absent due to injury, and Inaki Williams, a standout for Athletic Bilbao, are back in the team.

Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick in his most recent game, and other seasoned players will back up captain Thomas Partey.

Forson Amankwah and Ernest Nuamah are sidelined due to injuries. Amankwah has not been called up for this round of fixtures, despite the fact that his injury is not as bad.

On September 5, 2024, Black Stars will play their first Group F encounter at home in Kumasi against Angola. On September 9, 2024, they will travel to Niger for their second match.

Goalkeepers:Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Frederick Asare, Joseph Wollacott

Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Kingsley Schindler

Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Abu Francis, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Majeed Ashimeru

Forwards: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Joseph Paintsil, Ibrahim Osman, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jordan Ayew

Dani Olmo Won The Game For Barcelona On His Debut

Hansi Flick’s team came back from behind to maintain their winning start to La Liga, and Dani Olmo scored his debut winner just hours after he was officially registered for Barcelona.

Olmo returned to Barca from RB Leipzig for an alleged 60 million euros (£51 million) earlier this month, but the stringent financial regulations of the Spanish top division prevented him from playing.

However, the 26-year-old was able to play at Rayo Vallecano after Clement Lenglet, the defender, transferred to Atletico Madrid and Ilkay Gundogan was released back to Manchester City.

And late in the game, following excellent work from fellow Spain Euro 2024 hero Lamine Yamal, the playmaker found the winner by curling in left-footed.

After three games, Barca is the only team remaining with a perfect record in La Liga.

The home team had an early lead thanks to Unai Lopez, which they maintained until Pedri and Raphinha executed a brilliant one-two and Pedri scored.

Olmo, who was at Barcelona as a boy but left for Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16 without making an appearance, then stole the points and the headlines with his fantastic finish.

Somuah's transfer to Celta Vigo

Speaking on Bernard Somuah’s agreement to play for Spanish La Liga team Celta Vigo in the 2019 season, Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua is the chairman of the interim member committee (IMC) for Asante Kotoko Sporting Club.

“We are immensely proud of Bernard’s path and the new beginnings this transfer holds for both him and Asante Kotoko.

He has demonstrated incredible improvement and resiliency, thus this opportunity with Celta Vigo is a merited next step for his professional journey.

“We are confident that Bernard will have a big impact in Spain since he embodies the spirit of Kotoko and Asanteman.

“We are going to support him throughout the entire process,” IMC head Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua informed the club’s media staff.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Bernard Somuah finalized a loan move to Celta Vigo, while both parties agreed to sign him permanently following the loan.

GFA

On Monday, August 26, 2024, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) officially opened a new ambulance for the GFA’s technical center, the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

Staff members in general as well as players and officials in particular will receive emergency support from the fully furnished ambulance that will be stationed at the Technical Centre.

The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, which acts as the camping base for the nation’s numerous national teams, is expected to benefit from the addition of the new ambulance in addition to other measures to improve health delivery at the facility.

President Simeon-Okraku gave special recognition to Dr. Okoe Boye, the Minister of Health, for his collaboration with the Chief Director of the Ministry in securing an ambulance for the GFA.

Prosper Harrison Addo, the general secretary of the Ghana Football Association, thanked the Ghana Health Services for their assistance in procuring the ambulance and stated that it will be used effectively to help ongoing efforts to safeguard livelihoods.

“This has been achieved by the kind courtesy of a partnership between the GFA and the Ghana Health Service, which is an agency under the Ministry of Health. We are extremely grateful to them for the immense support. This ambulance will be put to good use and serve its purpose for football here in Prampram.” he concluded

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku was accompanied by General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Vice-President Mark Addo, members of the Executive Council, former Vice-Chairman of the GFA, Fred Pappoe, former General Secretary, Emmanuel Gyimah, delegates to Congress, and the media to officially outdoor the brand new ambulance.

James Rodriguez goes back to Europe

Signs of Rayo Vallecano James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez has finalized his La Liga comeback, signing a one-year deal with Rayo Vallecano.

After an incredible Copa America campaign with Colombia, in which they advanced to the final and James won Player of the Tournament, he parted ways with Brazilian powerhouses Sao Paulo in July.

Throughout the campaign, Rodriguez racked up six assists, shattering the single-edition record established by Lionel Messi at the 2021 competition (records date back to 2011).

With 20, he also had the most chances created of any player in the competition—14 of those came from set pieces.

After spending six years at Real Madrid from 2014 to 2020, the 33-year-old has returned to the capital, this time with Rayo, who almost missed relegation the previous season.

James has agreed to a one-year contract with Inigo Perez’s team, with the possibility to sign a one-year extension.

Rayo’s two La Liga games this season have yielded four points: a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad and a goalless draw with Getafe. On Tuesday, they will play their next game against Barcelona.

Congress will hear from GFA President Kurt Okraku on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku will address the Ghana Football Association’s 30th Ordinary Session of Congress.

During the major convocation on Tuesday, August 27, the President is expected to give an update on the strategic objectives that are being executed as well as discuss and confirm new ideas that will be put into action.

Among other things, he will go over the strategic components of the GFA’s second phase of agenda, which aims to improve Ghana football’s foundation and build on the progress gained since the organization’s last congress on July 10, 2023, in Kumasi.

The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) 30th Ordinary Congress will take place over two days and feature a full schedule of activities for delegates.

Activities on Monday consist of a variety of entertaining games to be played following group talks on current topics affecting Ghanaian football. Along with the sod cutting for the construction of a contemporary gymnasium and swimming pool, there will also be a presentation, picture shoot, interviews, and photo sessions. Additionally, delegates will tour some of the renovated lodging facilities.

Congress’s regular session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Throughout the two days, President Simeon-Okraku is expected to attend meetings and take part in the exciting games that have been planned.

Carlo Ancelotti is backing Mbappe to get started with goals.

Carlo Ancelotti believes Kylian Mbappe will soon begin to score.

After Kylian Mbappe’s lackluster home debut in the 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid, Carlo Ancelotti maintains that Real Madrid must be patient with the player.

On his first visit to Santiago Bernabeu following his sensational transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe did not reach the back of the net despite recording a game-high three shots on target and eight touches in the opposition penalty box.

Federico Valverde’s fierce free kick in the 50th minute gave Madrid the lead over Valladolid, and late goals from Brahim Diaz and Endrick came off the bench to complete the triumph.

After Mbappe was replaced in the 86th minute, Ancelotti jumped to the French captain’s defense, saying that the player needs time to get used to his new teammates.

“Mbappe is an incredible striker—he moves very well without the ball and is very quick,” the Italian said to reporters following the game.

He will score in this position, just as he always has. He is not required to play in the center or on the left. He will ultimately score goals. Hold off and observe.

In addition, Ancelotti praised the role his replacements played in helping Madrid earn their first La Liga victory of the new campaign.

“The taste of a win is always good. When we win a game, I have to be happy, taking into account the difficulties we had, especially in the first half when we were slow and soft,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Sunday.

“We were better after the break, with much more mobility and speed in possession. I am very happy for those who come off the bench and take advantage of the few minutes they have.

“Setting the line-up is always complicated, it bothers me, it makes me a bit sad, even though it’s my responsibility. I’m the one who has to choose the 11 players that start the match.

“Bearing in mind that in this period of the season, in the heat, it is expected that players get tired. So, it would be right that when a player is tired, he should raise his hand and ask to be replaced. But in my 40 years in football, it has never happened.

“So, it is up to me, the coach, to pick out the ones I think are tired. I think the players have to be more responsible with that. I say it here because I have said it to them privately. I have a lot of resources to use in this squad.”

Inaki Williams

Inaki Williams, who was injured and missed the previous international window, is about to rejoin the Black Stars.

Inaki Williams is anticipated to be part of Ghana’s team for their September 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Williams had surgery before the close of the season, which kept him out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and caused him to miss the previous two Ghanaian games.

The Black Stars’ chances of making the tournament were rekindled when they defeated Mali and the Central African Republic in back-to-back, pivotal games despite his absence.

Williams, who played in Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga debut against Getafe the previous weekend, is now healthy and prepared to support Ghana in the AFCON.

Black Stars will play their first away game of the season on September 9 against Niger after hosting Angola at Baba Yara Stadium on September 5.

Otto Addo’s team hopes to finish in the top two in Group F in order to earn a seat in the AFCON competition, which takes place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Ghanaian striker Jordan Ayew explains his decision to join Leicester City.

New signing for Leicester City In his explanation of his choice to join the team, Jordan Ayew highlighted the significant influence manager Steve Cooper had in landing him.

The Black Stars forward rejoined Cooper, with whom he had previously played at Swansea City, after completing his transfer from Crystal Palace on Friday.

“As a player, when you hear that the manager wants you, it just makes you want to come and work under him and to try to improve,” Ayew explained after signing a two-year contract. “Even though I’m 32, as a player you always want to learn and improve. I’m here to work hard and help the team achieve their targets.”

During his six years with the Eagles, Ayew was a key player for Crystal Palace; however, his diminished position under new manager Oliver Glasner made room for him to transfer to Leicester. His current goal is to help the Foxes stay in the Premier League.

After being relegated at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season, Leicester City won the Championship and made their way back to the Premier League this season.