BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Carlos Queiroz’s return as head coach of the Black Stars could quickly produce one of his first major selection tests, with Captain Jordan Ayew’s lack of competitive club football putting his place in Ghana’s squad under renewed scrutiny ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Queiroz has only just begun his new mandate with the national team, but the situation surrounding Ayew presents an immediate dilemma.
The 34-year-old remains one of the most experienced members of the squad and captained Ghana throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet he is currently without a club following his departure from Leicester City.
Ayew’s situation is particularly significant because of the role he played during Ghana’s World Cup campaign. He featured in all of the Black Stars’ matches as the team progressed to the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 World Cup, making his experience and leadership an important part of the national team setup.
His continued involvement, however, could become a subject of debate if he enters the next international window without securing a new club.
Although Ayew is currently without competitive club football, he has reportedly remained active since returning to Ghana from the World Cup. The forward has featured in amateur matches while on holiday as part of efforts to maintain his fitness.
Maintaining fitness, however, is different from playing regular competitive football at the highest level. That distinction could force Queiroz to decide whether Ayew’s experience and leadership should outweigh the absence of consistent club competition.
The Portuguese coach therefore faces two contrasting choices.
Keeping Ayew in the squad would allow Queiroz to retain the player who wore the captain’s armband during Ghana’s latest World Cup campaign and provide continuity as he begins another spell in charge. Ayew’s knowledge of the team and experience in major international competitions could also prove valuable during a demanding qualification campaign.
On the other hand, leaving him out could send a strong message that places in the Black Stars squad must be earned through current competitive performances, regardless of reputation or previous contribution.
That decision could become even more consequential because Ghana’s next assignments come in quick succession.
The Black Stars are scheduled to travel to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 before hosting The Gambia three days later on September 27 in Group C of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
With two important matches arriving within a short period, Queiroz will have limited time to experiment with his squad. His selections are therefore likely to provide an early indication of how much emphasis he intends to place on experience, current form and regular club football.
