2023 AFCONQ: Chris Hughton unfazed by public anger over Andre Ayew inclusion in the BlackStars squad

Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton is least concerned about the growing widespread perception within the football space about, captain, Andre Ayew’s inclusion in the BlackStars squad.

On Saturday, September, 2,2023, Black Stars gaffer, Chris Hughton named his 25-man squad list which is expected to take on the Central African Republic in the ultimate round of games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

READ: What happened in Ghana’s first training ahead of the Central African Republic clash
Andre Ayew, who is currently unattached with a club was named as part of the squad list and that has sparked widespread discontent among the football populace.
Speaking to Asaase Radio, Chris Hughton opined that, the selection of players to the senior national team was purely based on what each and every player brings to the team.
“The growing perception is something that doesn’t mean too much to me, as a coach the reason for each player to be in the squad. So perception is not my concern and what I have to do is pick a squad, that could be made of young exciting players, or experienced players.
“There will always be a debate in the general public about who or who should not be in the squad, Andre comes into the category where he knows he hasn’t played as much, we are knowledgeable about the amount of games he has played and what he means to the squad.
He added “He is our captain and I know what he gives to the squad and anyone in the squad is not about their abilities it’s about what they bring to the squad and what they can do to affect the others in the squad,”
Black Stars lead the pack with nine points, Angola with eight points, Central African Republic with seven points, and Madagascar with two points from five games.

2023 AFCON Qualifiers: Ten Black Stars players arrive in camp ahead of CAR game
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium will host the Black Stars and the Central African Republic on Thursday, September 7 at 4 p.m.