Dede Ayew Misses Out From Black Stars Squad To Face Austria and Germany

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Contrary to the huge expectation that Coach Otto Addo will reconsider his decision on Andre Dede Ayew and recall him into the Black Stars set up, the former captain is not part of the 26-man squad for the two friendly matches ahead.

The Black Stars will play Austria on March 27, 2026 to be followed by Germany on March 30, 2026.

The two friendly matches form part of Black Stars preparations for the June -July FIFA World Cup slated for USA, Canada and Mexico.

Coach Otto Addo on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 released his team for the double header. There was much expectation that Dede Ayew who has started showing glimpses of good display for NAC Breda in the Dutch league would be given a second chance but he was not invited.

Among the 26-man that Otto Addo has selected include four debutants namely Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, Daniel Agyei

Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams who has been out of the Black Stars team for a while now due to injury is back. Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku and Ibrahim Sulemana are also returning into the team.

The coach will use these games to assess the strength and weakness of the team before they storm the FIFA Mundial.

The Black Stars will subsequently play Mexico on May 22, 2026 and Wales on June 2, 2026 to fine-tune their shape for the FIFA World Cup.

Below is the full Black Stars 26-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang

Defenders: Patrick Pfeiffer, Derrick Luckassen, Derrick Köhn, Jerome Opoku, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kojo Oppong Pepprah, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya, Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Kwasi Sibo

Forwards: Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jordan Ayew, Prince Adu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Daniel Agyei.