Former Black Princesses coach, Robert Sackey, has publicly supported Chris Hughton’s decision to include Andre Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Comoros and Madagascar.

However, Sackey expressed that he wouldn’t have started Ayew in the game against Comoros, preferring to bring him on in the second half to leverage his experience and leadership.

Sackey’s remarks follow criticism faced by Hughton on social media for naming Ayew in the starting lineup, considering the player’s absence from competitive games since leaving Nottingham Forest last season.

In an interview with Asempa FM, Sackey acknowledged that Ayew’s lack of recent game time was a factor. Still, he believed Ayew’s inclusion was necessary due to his leadership qualities and experience.

“Everyone knows that it is now he has signed for a team. He has not been playing for a while. Even if Andre Ayew was going to play, he should come on in the second half,” Sackey explained.

While Sackey wouldn’t have started Ayew, he recognizes that Hughton’s decision to do so was a risky move. “Chris Hughton has put himself on the line by starting Andre Ayew,” he said.

Ghana experienced a 1-0 defeat in Moroni, leaving them with three points after two games in the World Cup qualifiers.