Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reaffirmed his decision to omit Andre Dede Ayew from the squad for the second consecutive round of qualifiers, emphasizing the need to build a team for the future.

During a press conference where Addo announced the 26-man squad for Ghana’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers in September, he addressed Ayew’s absence by highlighting the importance of preparing a squad with a long-term vision.

Addo explained that the focus is not only on the upcoming AFCON but also on the potential qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He stressed the need to look ahead and develop a team that can compete effectively over the next few years, which influenced the decision to bring in younger players and exclude Ayew from the squad.

“We are looking at one, two, three years ahead, and we have to build a squad for that,” Addo stated, reaffirming the long-term strategy guiding the selection process.