Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, is set to announce his squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) today, Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Even before the squad is announced, widespread reports in the media indicate that the skipper of the side, Andre Dede Ayew, has been excluded from the team for the doubleheader.

According to an Angel FM report, Otto Addo did not invite the Le Havre forward who ended the French Ligue 1 season with five goals for his club.

The report gains credibility from a list published by Le Havre detailing their players who will be on national duty in June.

The list, which includes Toure Abdoulaye of Guinea, Sangate Arouna of Senegal, Daler Kuzyaev of Russia, Nego Loic of Hungary, Kone Mohamed, and Operi Christopher of Ivory Coast, conspicuously does not include the skipper of the Black Stars.

The reported omission of Andre Ayew from the squad is believed to be in line with the new direction being charted by coach Otto Addo.

It is reported that Addo recently held meetings with senior players such as Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew and Daniel Amartey to discuss his vision.

The report reveals that Addo intends to phase out reliance on older players and focus on nurturing the younger talents within the team.

While some veteran players are expected to be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, their involvement is likely to diminish in future selections.

The 'new' Black Stars team is anticipated to feature Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United as a central figure, with Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Tariq Lamptey and others poised to play more pivotal roles.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a match against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10.

TWI NEWS

🌍 𝐒𝐞́𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬

Félicitations à nos 6 Ciel&Marine pour leurs sélections… pic.twitter.com/lnbaxnEI6p

— Havre Athletic Club ⚽️ (@HAC_Foot) May 28, 2024