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Tag: Dede Ayew

  • Kwesi Nyantakyi defends Dede Ayew after Black Stars ‘senior’ players comment

    Former Ghana Football Association president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has stated that Black Stars captain Dede Ayew only expressed his opinion on senior players being selected for Ghana’s final World Cup squad.

    According to Nyantakyi, who makes the squad is a decision made by the head coach, and Dede Ayew’s opinion has no bearing on that.

    Nyantakyi explained to Kings TV that Ayew’s comment was not definitive because he used the word “may.”

    “The coach has the final decision. What Dede Ayew said was just his opinion and it doesn’t mean that is what the coach will do. Because he(Dede) is not a coach. Even with what he said, he used ‘may’,” he said.

    ” He(Dede) said the senior players ‘may’ be able to earn the coach’s selection. But it doesn’t mean it is automatic because there have been instances where senior players were dropped for younger players, while younger players have also been dropped for senior players. So, it all depends on the strategy of the coach. We don’t select players based on age or experience only, but the player’s performance in totality, that is what the coach will consider,” he added.

    Dede Ayew, in a previous interview with the Daily Graphic, stated that the current senior players in the squad may have an advantage when it comes to selection into the team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Dede Ayew said that selection into the team is based solely on merit and that no one is guaranteed a place in the team.

    “The newcomers are talented, but we already have a strong team that qualified for the World Cup, so every position is competitive. Apart from senior players who may have an advantage, I believe no one is guaranteed a place in the squad just yet”.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ayews, Rahman benched, Inaki starts: Black Stars predicted XI against Nicaragua

    Black Stars coach, Otto Addo could ring many changes in his line-up for Ghana’s final international break friendly against Nicaragua on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

    Otto could make as many as seven changes in his starting eleven when compared to the team that started against Brazil last Friday.

    Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, Dede Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Baba Rahaman, Felix Afena Gyan, and Jojo Wollacott, who started against Brazil could all start from the bench.

     

    Reports from the Black Stars camp suggest that Tariq Lamptey and Djiku have picked up minor injuries, which could rule them out of the game for precautionary reasons.

    In goal, Manaf Nurudeen could replace Jojo Wollacott, playing behind a back three of Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu and Stephan Ambrosius.

    Dennis Odoi and Gideon Mensah are expected to be the wing-backs with Elisha Owusu and Baba Iddrisu playing as the double pivot.

    Kudus Mohammed could play behind an attacking line of Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams to complete the 3-4-1-2 system.

    Line up in full

    Manaf Nurudeen; Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Ambrosious; Denis Odoi, Gideon Mensah; Elisha Owusu, Baba Iddrisu; Mohammed Kudus; Ransford Osei, Inaki Williams.

     

     

  • Meet the top 10 most capped Black Stars players of all time

    Hundreds of players have worn the Ghana national team jersey since the team played their first official game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on May 28, 1950.

    Having produced some of the finest footballers in Africa and the World has ever, Ghana has always been a beacon of African football and has many trophies in football.

    Osei Kofi Ibrahim Sunday, Abdul Razak, Abedi Pele, Anthony Yeboah, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, and a host of other top players have all worn the Black Stars jersey in the past seven decades.

    Today we look at the top ten most capped Black Stars players as captain Andre Dede Ayew inches closer to making history

    Asamoah Gyan

    The former Black Stars captain and Africa’s top scorer at the FIFA World Cup is the most capped player with 109 appearances since making his debut for the Ghana national team in 2003.

    Asamoah Gyan spent close to two decades in the Black Stars, played in three FIFA World Cups, and featured eight times in the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Andre Dede Ayew

    Ayew made his debut in 2007 and featured in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations which was hosted in Ghana and is the longest-serving member of the current Black Stars team.

    Captain Andre Dede Ayew is the second on our list with 107 appearances and is three games away from overtaking Asamoah Gyan as the all-time most capped Black Stars player.

    Richard Kingston

    The legendary goalkeeper who kept the post for the Black Stars in Ghana’s maiden appearance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany is the next with 90 appearances.

    Richard Kingston was also instrumental in the Black Stars team who made history at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa by becoming the third team from the continent to reach the quarter-final stage in the Mundial.

    John Paintsil

     

    Made his Black Stars debut in 2001 at the age of 20 and established himself as one of the greatest right-backs Ghana has ever seen.

    John Paintsil made 89 appearances for the Black Stars, played in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and appeared twice in the FIFA World Cup (2006 and 2010) before hanging his boots in 2013.

    John Mensah

    ‘In John Mensah, we trust’ was the popular mantra during his playing days as the former Ashantigold player carved a niche as being an unbreakable war in the Ghanaian defence.

    The former Black Stars captain made his debut in 2001 and scored three goals in 86 appearances. The former Sunderland defender retired from the team after the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

    Harrison Afful

    The former Asante Kotoko defender is the 6th most capped player for the Black Stars.

    However, he shares the position with Sulley Muntari but has a chance to feature more for the Black Stars as he is yet to retire from the team.

    Sulley Muntari

    Currently playing in the Ghana Premier League for giants Accra Hearts of Oak, Sulley Muntari is the joint 6th most capped Black Stars player with 84 appearances.

    Sulley Muntari hasn’t been part of the Black Stars squad after being sacked from the team’s camp during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

    The long ranger has scored 20 goals for Ghana in a career that spanned close to two decades. He made his Black Stars debut in 2002 and played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, and 2014).

    Jordan Ayew

    The son of the legendary Abedi Ayew Pele is the second active player in this list after his brother Andre Dede Ayew.

    The 30-year-old Crystal Palace striker has made 81 appearances and per all indications, he might end his national team career as the most capped Black Stars player.

    Jordan Ayew has scored 19 goals for the Black Stars since making his debut in 2010.

    Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu

    Retired from the Black Stars officially in 2021 after a period of inactivity, Badu is fondly remembered for his long strikes.

    Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu made his debut for the Black Stars in 2008 but became a regular team player after his stellar performance in the 2009 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Egypt. He made 78 appearances and scored 11 goals for Ghana after spending a decade in the team.

    Abedi Pele

    Considered one of the greatest players Africa has ever produced, the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations winner completes the list with 73 appearances for the Black Stars.

    Abedi Pele made 73 appearances in the Black Stars jersey and scored 19 goals from 1982 before hanging his boots after the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Yesterday was a perfect night’ – Dede Ayew reacts to Ghana win over South Africa

    Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew, has commended his teammates for their performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    Andre Dede Ayew scored from the spot-kick to give Ghana a 1-0 win over the South Africans at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

    The Black Stars qualified ahead of South Africa on goal difference as both countries finished the qualifiers with 13 points each.

    “Yesterday was a perfect night ! We are one step closer to our aim. As always the team was on fire and boys fought till the end. Support was unbelievable, thank you Ghana,” Andre Dede Ayew tweeted.

    Ghana has qualified to the playoff stage in the World Cup qualification alongside Egypt, Morocco, DR Congo, Mali, and Senegal.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Brighton reportedly interested in signing Ghana captain Andre Ayew

    Premier League club, Brighton & Hove Albion FC is reportedly interested in signing black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew from Swansea City.

    They are said to have joined West Brom in the race to capture the signature of the prolific goalscorer in the ongoing January transfer window.

    Brighton is struggling in the Premier League largely due to their lack of goals.

    They have scored 21 goals in 17 games and as a result, are just three points above the relegation zone.

    They trust Ayew can solve their goalscoring problems and are working to sign him from the Championship this month.

    The 30-year-old has Premier League experience, having played in the competition for three and half seasons. In his first season, 2015/16, Ayew scored an impressive 12 goals, earning him a big-money move to West Ham.

    He returned to Swansea in 2018 and unfortunately suffered relegation. Since taking the bold decision to represent the Swans in the second-tier of English football, Ayew has been in fantastic form in front of goal.

    Last season, he was their top scorer with 18 goals as they came close to securing promotion to the top-flight.

    Andre Dede Ayew has maintained his form this season and currently has eight goals.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ayew brothers join team mates in Turkey

    Ghana skipper Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan Ayew have joined their Black Star team mates in Turkey as the team prepare for the double header friendly with Mali and Qatar.

    The two England-based players arrived at the Xanthe Resort and spa, Tuesday morning to increase the number of players in camp to twelve, following the arrivals of Nicholas Opoku, Emmanuel Lomotey, Eugene Ansah, Benson Annang and Kamaldeen Sulemana on Monday.

    The other players in the squad in Antalya, are Goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Razak Abalora. The rest include, midfielder Baba Iddrissu, Samuel Owusu and Gideon Mensah. The rest of the players are expected to arrive in camp, Tuesday, evening.

    Ghana will play Mali on Friday, October 09, before taking on Qatar three days later.

    The team will hold its first training session at the Emir Sports complex in Antalya, Tuesday afternoon.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Andre Ayew’s 15th league goal not enough as Swansea lose more ground in playoff race

    Ghana forward André Ayew bagged his 15th goal in the Championship for Swansea City in their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in midweek.

    English striker Sammy Ameobi struck twice from outside the box to equalise after Swansea had gone ahead through on-loan Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster in the 8th minute.

    However, it was Steve Cooper’s charges that had the advantage at half-time as André Ayew was adjudged to have been brought down by Ryan Yates, and referee Oliver Langford had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot.

    Ayew stepped up to take it himself, and he sent Brice Samba the wrong way to register his 15th goal of the season.

    The result saw the Jack Army drop to 8th position with 64 points from 44 matches.

    The Welsh-based outfit are three points behind sixth-placed Cardiff City and must look to win their last two fixtures – against Bristol City and Reading – and hope the Bluebirds and Millwall slip up to realize their dream of picking one of the playoffs spots.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Andre Ayew features for Swansea City in narrow defeat to Leeds United

    Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew featured for Swansea City on Sunday afternoon when the side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds United in the English Championship.

    Still an integral part of the Swansea City side, the forward earned a starting role today to help the team seek the win to enhance their chances of qualifying for the playoff round for promotion to the English Premier League at the end of the season.

    After a fiercely contested encounter in the first half at the Liberty Stadium, the two teams had to go into the break with no goal.

    Leeds United returned from the break and managed to score through Pablo Hernandez in the dying minutes of the game to ensure they bagged all 3 points at the end of the 90 minutes.

    The win means the away team looks set to play in the Premier League next season with Swansea still in the race to book a play-off spot despite the defeat.

    They will need to pick up crucial points in the remaining matches of the season.

    Ayew, 30, has made 41 appearances in the English Championship this season and has 14 goals and 6 assists to his name.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Andre Ayew among players with most MoTM awards in the English Championship

    Swansea City vice-captain, Andre Dede Ayew is amongst players in the English Championship with the most Man of the Match awards this season.

    The former Olympic Marseille poster boy has been in impressive form for the Swans all season and is regarded as one of the best players in the English lower division.

    This season, he has managed to win as many as 7 Man of the Match awards, making him the second player with the most awards in the Championship.

    According to statistics provided by WhoScored.com, Andre Ayew is only behind Queens Park Rangers youngster Eberechi Eze [with 9 Man of the Match awards].

    The feat makes Andre Ayew a dangerous player in the Championship this season and he could even go on to overtake Eze if he continues to shine in the remaining matches of the season.

    Andre Ayew, 30, has scored 13 goals and has 6 assists after making 36 appearances this season in the Championship.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • I don’t want to come up against a Swansea City attack led by Ayew again- Middlesborough coach

    Middlesborough manager Jonathan Woodgate has said he does not ever want to face Swansea City’s deadly attack which comprises Andre Dede Ayew, Rhian Brewster, and Conor Gallagher as the trio played a vital role in the 3-0 win over his side on Saturday.

    Brewster – who is on loan from Premier League leaders Liverpool, scored first with Andre Dede Ayew providing the assist.

    The youngster then registered his brace before Ayew made it 3-0 from the spot after Gallagher was brought down in the box by Boro captain George Friend.

    “They’ve got some exceptional players in Rhian Brewster, Conor Gallagher, and Andre Ayew. We just couldn’t deal with them,” Woodgate was quoted as saying in Wales Online.

    “It’s hard to explain that type of performance. It’s not nice to see. It was just the basics of the game at times. It wasn’t good enough.

    “We won’t come up against a Brewster, an Ayew or a Conor Gallagher again. Them three up top, I thought they were absolutely outstanding.”

    Andre Dede Ayew is having a good season with the Welsh club and has scored 13 goals this season in the Championship.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Watch all Andre Ayew goals at Swansea City

    Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew joined Swansea City for the first of his two spells on June 10, 2015, earning a cult hero status after netting 12 goals in 34 appearances.

    Ayew left the Swans after just a season to join West Ham United before returning in 2018 for a second spell.

    The Swansea City vice-captain has been a key figure for the club since returning from a season loan spell at Fenerbache for the 2019/2020 English Championship season.

    This season, Ayew has scored 12 goals in 35 appearances for the Championship side.

    Watch Andre Ayew’s goals below:

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Andre Ayew resumes training at Swansea City

    Ghana skipper Andre Dede Ayew has resumed training at Swansea City after an enforced break by the coronavirus pandemic.

    Ayew and his teammates returned to training for the first time in 10 weeks since the outbreak of the coronavirus forced the UK into lockdown.

    All players and key football staff were tested for coronavirus on Friday by a private company – to ensure there is no impact on frontline public testing – and under EFL guidelines ahead of training.

    The Swansea City vice-captain was put through his paces by Head coach Steve Cooper at the Fairwood training center as he starts preparations for the return of the English Championship.

    The team trained under new protocols and in a controlled environment to ensure the spread of the coronavirus is curtailed.

    Players showing a positive test, or displaying symptoms despite a negative test, will isolate for seven days with no attendance allowed at the training ground during that period. The players will then be retested seven days later.

    There were no positive tests on Friday.

    Once the training ground is free from players and staff, further cleaning of the site will be undertaken in accordance with the latest Government guidelines ahead of the next training session.

    Watch video below:

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Andre Ayew returns to training at Swansea City after coronavirus break

    Ghana captain Andre Dede Ayew has returned to training with Swansea City after an enforced break by the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The Swansea City vice captain joined other teammates at the Fairwood training center as they started preparations for the return of the English Championship.

    The team trained under new protocols and in a controlled environment to ensure that the spread of the Coronavirus is curtailed.

    All players and key football staff of the club were tested for Coronavirus on Friday by a private company – to ensure that there is no impact on frontline public testing – and under EFL guidelines ahead of training today. The club will fund the testing themselves.

    The players and staff will be tested twice a week.

    Meanwhile, players showing a positive test, or displaying symptoms despite a negative test, will be isolated for seven days with no attendance allowed at the training ground during that period. The players will then be re-tested seven days later.

    There were no positive tests on Friday.

    Watch video below

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Andre Ayew pays tribute to ‘mentor’ & former Marseille President Pape Diouf

    Ghana captain Andre Ayew has paid tributes to former Marseille President Pape Diouf, who died on Tuesday night in Senegal.

    Pape Diouf died after suffering from the coronavirus. He was 68.

    Ayew took to Twitter to expressed his grief after hearing of the death of one of Africa’s leading football executive.

    “MON PAPA, GRAND PERE, MON MENTOR, RIP PAPE DIOUF,” he posted.

    The astute African football executive, who was President of Marseille between 2005 To 2009, helped Jordan and his senior brother Ayew settle in France when they were at the Marseille academy.

    Diouf was a close friend of their father Abedi Pele during his playing days at the French giants Marseille long before the former journalist became the club’s President.

    A former journalist at La Marseillaise in the 1980s, he was a successful football agent from the 1990s, representing top African players like Joseph-Antoine Bell, Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasir, Didier Drogba and many others.

    Pape Diouf was appointed CEO of Marseille in 2004 and was voted the President in 2005.

    An esteemed leader, he was one of the major players in French football, renowned for his good banter with his Lyon counterpart Jean -Michel Aulas and his classy way of dressing.

    After leaving Marseille in 2009, he became a sought-after speaker in sports conferences.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Tony Baffoe eulogises ex-Marseille President Pape Diouf

    Deputy General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football Anthony Baffoe has sang high praises of former Marseille President Pape Diouf, who passed on on Tuesday night.

    Pape Diouf died in his native Senegal after suffering from the coronavirus.

    Baffoe was heartbroken to hear of the death of the man he described as a ‘pioneer’ in football on many fronts including management of players.

    “He was the pioneer in so many things concerning football affairs and player management coming from Africa-rest well Pape Diouf,” he posted on Twitter after learning of the death of Diouf.

    Pape Diouf died at 68, and is the first black man to be President of a top European club.

    He was president of the club between 2005 to 2009, a period that played a crucial part of Ghanaian footballer Andre and Jordan Ayew.

    A former journalist at La Marseillaise in the 1980s, he was a successful football agent from the 1990s, representing top African players like Joseph-Antoine Bell, Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasir, Didier Drogba and many others.

    Pape Diouf was appointed CEO of Marseille in 2004 and was voted the President in 2005.

    An esteemed leader, he was one of the major players in French football, renowned for his good banter with his Lyon counterpart Jean -Michel Aulas and his classy way of dressing.

    After leaving Marseille in 2009, he became a sought-after speaker in sports conferences.

    Charged in the case of questionable transfers from Marseille in 2016, the judicial decision was thrown out on appeal in 2018.

    He returned to Dakar in 2018 to be with his family.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Andre Ayew becomes the second highest scoring right winger in the Championship

    Swansea City Vice-captain Andre Dede Ayew is the second-highest scoring right-winger in the English Championship.

    The Ghana international has 12 goals in 35 appearances for the South Wales club.

    Only Brentford FC’s Bryan Mbeumo has scored more goals than the Black Stars captain.

    The former France youth international has netted 14 goals in 35 appearances.

    Ayew has five assists and 64 successful dribbles according to EFL Analytics who provide football statistics across the EFL, as well as more in-depth analysis on teams and players.

    He won 77 fouls and provided 30 key passes.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • There is more to life than football – Dede Ayew

    Ghana skipper Andre Ayew has expressed his sympathy for persons affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The disease, also known as Covid-19, has infected over 207,855 people around the world, including high-profile sportsmen, resulting in the suspension of most football competitions, including the English and Ghanaian national leagues, in a bid to control the spread of the disease.

    The number of global deaths stands at 8648, with China and Italy among the most affected nations.

    “As the world takes decisive steps to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus which is wreaking havoc to families, communities and nations, I want to urge you all to continue to adhere strictly to all the preventive advice to help stay healthy and also to help curb the spread of the pandemic,” Ayew posted in a social media message on Thursday.

    “To fellow footballers, sports personalities, fans and families who have been affected, I wish to express my sympathies and I pray to Allah to comfort you and grant you healing mercies.

    “To the frontline health workers who are working around the clock all over the world to assist those affected, keep doing your best for humanity.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Let’s work together to win ‘coronavirus match’ – Andre Ayew to football world

    Captain of the Black Stars Andre Dede Ayew has released a heart warming message of support and encouragement in these trying times as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps through the world.

    The novel coronavirus has caused the suspension of many sporting,entertainment and other activities worldwide as it has left many people battling for their lives whiles others have also died.

    COVID-19 a flu like ailment which started in China December last year has swept through the world like world fire with Italy now the epicenter of the pandemic whiles others like Germany, France, Spain and UK are all experiencing its full force.

    Although the fatality rate is not on the high, it infected 244,176 with 10,006 deaths while 87,407 have fully recovered from the ailment as at Thursday 19th March 2020 9:40pm GMT.

    The Black Stars captain has urged all to adhere to the preventive guidelines provided while we keep safe to avoid contracting the deadly virus.

    He also empathizes with affected persons and prays for a quick recover while also encouraging front line health care professionals to continue their good works.

    The Swansea attackers adds that together we will all win this difficult match with COVID-19.

    “As the world takes the decisive steps to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus which is wrecking havoc too families, communities and nations, I want to urge you all to continue to adhere strictly to all preventive advice to help stay healthy and also help curb the spread of the pandemic,” excerpts of Andre Ayew’s message.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Akonnor to maintain Andre Ayew as Black Stars captain

    Ghana coach Charles Akonnor will maintain Andre Ayew as captain of the Black Stars as he prepares to name his squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan one of the key decisions today.

    The 30-year-old will remain his leadership role during the reign of the new gaffer.

    The Swansea City forward took the armband from iconic striker Asamoah Gyan prior to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt under dramatic circumstances.

    Ayew is hugely respected by his peers and enjoyed the responsibility as captain.

    He led Ghana during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after a disappointing round of 16 exit from the competition.

    Andre has been phenomenal for Swansea City despite their recent struggles

  • Andre Ayew rallies Black Stars players for difficult qualifiers

    Andre Dede Ayew has implored his Black Stars teammates to anticipate a difficult qualifying process to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cameroon.

    The four-time champions will have to negotiate their way through Group C where they are paired with South Africa, Sudan as well as São Tomé and Principe.

    Black Stars will kick off their campaign in Group C at home the Cape Coast Sports Stadium to South Africa on Thursday night.

    Read:Ghana Football has been retrogressing since 2014 Andre Ayew

    Assessing their chances for one of the two available slots to Cameroon 2021, Ayew told the media:

    “Sudan are a very tough team; we have met them a few times.

    “[For] South Africa, we have met them a lot of times. Right now, every team has its qualities so we have to block their qualities and use ours because at the end of the day we have great players.

    “We have players who have confidence. We have players who want to prove a point and we have people who just want to die for the nation. We have to realize that we are playing for millions of people.

    Read:Swansea showed great team spirit Andre Ayew says after scoring in draw

    “Football is a game of a win, draw or lose but we have to give everything. We have to die; we have to run; we have to play and make sure that at the end of the day we can go home and look at ourselves and say we gave everything we had for the nation.

    “It is not going to be easy. I can tell you that this qualification [process] is going to be very difficult but we will go through.”

    Ghana will also play São Tomé and Principe away in their second game of the Afcon 2021 qualifiers on Monday, November 18.

    Source: footballghana.com