As Ghana’s Black Stars prepare for a pivotal AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Sudan, questions loom large over who will lead the team on the pitch. With several of the usual captains unavailable, a fresh face could be handed the armband for this crucial encounter.
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First-choice captain, Dede Ayew, has been absent from the national team since May 2024 and was not included in the squad for this important qualifier. Ayew, who had been a long-standing leader of the Black Stars, has not featured for Ghana in months, raising concerns over whether his international career is winding down. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey, who took over the captaincy in Ayew’s absence, is also unavailable due to illness. Partey, a vital player in Ghana’s midfield and leadership core, will miss the Sudan games, leaving yet another leadership void.
To compound matters, the team’s third deputy captain, Richard Ofori, is still recovering from a poor run of form following the Black Stars’ underwhelming AFCON 2024 campaign. His absence adds to the growing list of senior players unavailable for these critical matches.
In their absence, the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband will likely fall on Jordan Ayew, the most experienced player in the current squad. Ayew has been a mainstay in the national team for over a decade and his leadership, both on and off the field, could be crucial as Ghana navigates this challenge.
Other potential captaincy candidates include Alexandre Djiku, a rock in Ghana’s defense, and the mercurial Mohammed Kudus, who has recently emerged as a key player for both club and country. Djiku’s calm leadership at the back and Kudus’ attacking flair make them strong contenders to lead the side.
Coach otto-addo will face immense pressure, not only to secure a win but to inspire a team that will be playing under heavy scrutiny from the Ghanaian public. A defeat could spell trouble for Ghana’s qualification hopes, making this match one of the most important in recent years.
Whoever steps up to lead the Black Stars, the task will be immense as the team looks to avoid defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium and keep their qualification hopes alive.
