Carlos Queiroz must decide whether to retain Jordan Ayew for Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers despite the captain being without a club, in what could become the Portuguese coach’s first major selection dilemma with the Black Stars.
Ayew led Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and played in every match as the team reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2010. His experience and influence within the squad make him an important figure for the national side, but the 34-year-old’s lack of competitive football has placed his position under scrutiny.
The forward left Leicester City before the World Cup tournament in North America and remains without a club. That leaves Queiroz facing a difficult choice as Ghana prepare for the next international window and the start of their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ayew has continued to train and play since returning to Ghana from the World Cup. While on holiday, he has taken part in amateur matches in an effort to maintain his fitness. However, those appearances do not provide the same level of competitive preparation as regular club football.
The new Black Stars coach must now weigh Ayew’s leadership and importance to the squad against the demands of selecting players who are actively competing at club level. Queiroz could continue to trust the long-serving captain, or decide to leave him out until he secures a new team and returns to regular competitive action.
Ghana’s qualifying schedule gives the coach little time to settle the issue. The Black Stars will play Cote d’Ivoire on 24 September before hosting The Gambia on 27 September, with both matches taking place in Group C.
The fixtures will be among Queiroz’s first significant tests since taking charge, and his treatment of Ayew is likely to attract particular attention. Expectations will be high that the beginning of a new era under the former Portugal manager will be accompanied by clear and decisive selection decisions.
Ayew’s omission would carry considerable significance after he wore the captain’s armband throughout Ghana’s World Cup campaign. It would signal that a player’s current club status and match fitness are being prioritised, even when that player remains one of the most experienced members of the squad.
On the other hand, selecting Ayew without the benefit of regular competitive football could prompt questions over standards and merit. Queiroz therefore has to decide whether the captain’s leadership remains too valuable to lose or whether a temporary absence would be the stronger sporting choice.
With the AFCON qualifiers approaching quickly, Ayew’s uncertain club situation has become an early issue for the new coach. The decision will offer an immediate indication of how Queiroz intends to balance experience, authority and current form as Ghana begin their latest qualification campaign.
