Posted by The career of Black Stars long-serving quartet Asamoah Gyan, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye and Kwadwo Asamoah seems to be coming to an end after the latest changes to the leadership of the team.
The quartet who have been serving the national team for over a decade and have made a combined 316 appearances for the team were snubbed by current coach CK Akonnor for the leadership roles.
André Ayew, who prior to the 2019 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) in Egypt replaced Asamoah Gyan as main captain in a controversial circumstance under the tutelage of erstwhile manager Kwesi Appiah was maintained as Black Stars skipper.
Thomas Partey, who made his debut for the senior national team in 2016 replaced Kwadwo Asamoah as 1st Vice captain, with Richard Ofori who has 15 senior national appearances to his name pronounced 2nd vice captain.
“The Technical team of the senior national team, the Black Stars, upon a broad consultation, has maintained Andre Ayew as Captain of the side,” a statement on the FA website read.
“The Swansea City attacker who led Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, maintains his position as leader of the team despite changes at the technical realm of the senior national team.
“In a related development, Thomas Teye Partey of Atletico Madrid has been appointed as 1st Vice Captain while Richard Ofori steps in as 2nd Vice Captain.
“The trio will lead the team as the Black Stars go through the remaining Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers as well as the qualifying games for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and subsequent tournaments.”
The decision has sent shockwaves in the football circles, as Asamoah Gyan, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye and Kwadwo Asamoah, who have been members of the team for more than a decade now were expected to at least occupy two of the three positions.
But the recent development signals that CK Akonnor won’t be counting on the ‘veterans’ any longer and is ready to do away with them as he hopes to build a young team that can end Ghana’s 38-years AFCON drought and make a statement at the World Cup.
The quartet have also not received a call-up since they represented Ghana at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where Ghana were knocked out in the round of 16 after losing to Tunisia on penalties, prompting rumours about a near-end of their international careers.
CK Akonnor replaced Kwesi Appiah as new Black Stars manager in January, but his reign is yet to get underway following the disruptions of the international calendar by Covid-19.
The Black Stars will return to action with an AFCON qualifying double-header against Sudan in November.