EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew to captain Ghana against Sudan in AFCON qualifier
Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew has been named as the stand-in captain for Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan in Omdurman on Tuesday in a historic move, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.The 29-year-old takes the armband from his brother Andre, who has been ruled out of the match in the Northeast Africa country.This is massive show of confidence in the leadership qualities of the former Swansea City striker – who has flourished since returning to Selhurst Park.Coach Charles “CK” Akonnor has handed the armband duties to the deadly striker for the crucial tie against the Falcons of Jediane.This is the first time that a father and two of his sons have captained the Black Stars.Jordan’s famous father Abedi Pele captained the Black Stars between 1992-1998.His first son Andre Ayew- who is the current leader of the team, has been captain since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, replacing the country’s all-time top scorer Asamoah Gyan.The mantle has now fallen on Jordan – who has been chosen ahead of Metz captain John Boye – who staged a return to the team for the first time in almost two years.Jordan continues the family tree after being named the captain of the four-time African champions for the must-win game against the Sudanese.Players, technical team, and management of the Black Stars arrived in Sudan on Sunday ahead of the game on Tuesday.The Black Stars will engage in a warm-up exercise as the shakes off the exertion of their long trip to Sudan.Ghana will be without captain Andre Ayew, who suffered an injury whiles training with the team in Accra last Saturday.Goalkeeper Richard Ofori is suspended and has been replaced with Legon Cities goalkeeper Fatau Dauda.Meanwhile Mubarak Wakaso, Majeed Ashimeru and Jeffrey Schlupp have rejoined the team for the match after missing the first leg in Cape Coast.Ghana sit top of group C with 9 points after three wins in three games, and victory on Tuesday will seal qualification to Cameroon 2022.
