Andre Ayew Poised for Unexpected Return to Black Stars After 10-Month Hiatus

Andre Ayew, the 35-year-old forward playing for Le Havre in France’s Ligue 1, is set to make a stunning return to the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, after more than 10 months away from international duty. Reports suggest that Ayew will be named in the squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March, signaling his much-anticipated return to the fold.

Ayew, a former U-20 World Cup winner, last played for the Black Stars in June 2024. Since then, he has not featured for the team in any competitive fixtures, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His absence has been particularly noticeable as the Black Stars, under coach Otto Addo, struggled in the AFCON qualifiers, failing to secure a victory in all six of their matches. Despite the team’s difficulties, it now appears that Ayew could be called back to provide his experience and leadership as Ghana aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

This decision to recall Ayew comes at a crucial time for Ghana’s national team. With the team in need of a boost ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, Otto Addo is reportedly looking to assemble the strongest squad possible to ensure Ghana competes at the highest level. Ayew’s extensive international experience, combined with his leadership qualities, could be the missing link needed for the team to perform on the world stage once again.

Since returning to Le Havre earlier this season, Ayew has shown promising form, scoring in his last two matches for the French club. He found the back of the net in a 3-1 loss to his former team, Marseille, and scored again in a match against RC Lens, although Le Havre ultimately lost. His recent performances have further cemented his place in the team, as he continues to show that he still has the ability to make an impact on the pitch, even at the age of 35.

Ayew’s return could provide the Black Stars with much-needed experience, especially given the team’s recent struggles in international competitions. While the Black Stars have struggled to live up to expectations, particularly in the AFCON qualifiers, Ayew’s presence could help rally the squad and bring stability to the team as they focus on securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

For Ghana, qualifying for the World Cup is a priority, and with Ayew’s return, the national team could gain a significant advantage. His leadership, ability to control the game, and vast experience in international football could make a crucial difference as Ghana looks to rebound from a series of disappointing results.

Coach Otto Addo’s decision to bring Ayew back into the fold suggests a desire to assemble a squad that combines both youth and experience. In addition to Ayew, the Black Stars will likely rely on a host of talented players from both the domestic and international scene to mount a serious challenge for World Cup qualification.

The return of Andre Ayew is likely to excite Ghanaian football fans, who have eagerly awaited his return to the national team. For many, Ayew remains one of the most important figures in Ghanaian football, and his potential inclusion in the World Cup qualifiers could provide the Black Stars with the boost they need to secure their place in the prestigious tournament.

As the team prepares for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March, Ghanaian supporters will be hoping that Ayew’s return to the squad can spark a successful campaign. His experience and contributions to the national team have been invaluable over the years, and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, his involvement could prove to be a crucial factor in Ghana’s push for qualification.