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The Black Stars of Ghana began their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign off to a start with a 1-0 win over Madagascar on Friday.
Inaki Williams stoppage time winner came after 90+4 minutes, 59 seconds, to break down a stubborn Malagasy side.
Although the Stars won, the performance was not the most impressive.
Inaki Williams is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game’s only goal for Ghana
While the second half performance was commendable, the first half was hardly inspiring as Madagascar dominated the exchanges and created the better chances. They ended the first half with 57% of ball possession.
Shortly after the match, captain Andre Ayew asked if coach Chris Hughton could excuse the team briefly, so he could speak to his teammates. Sources say coach Chris Hughton gave his captain the permission and shortly excused the team.
Grape vine sources say Andrew Ayew, who played no part in the match, first demanded an explanation from his teammates, for their slow start to the match.
In a no holds barred speech, the captain reminded his teammates of the high standards expected of the Black Stars. Sources say Andre’s speech suggested the team’s performance in the first half did not reflect the commitment required when playing for the Black Stars or an appreciation of the ethos of team.
He also urged them to toughen up to criticisms and not to be discouraged by criticisms, adding that such queries are often borne out of a desire to win.
Andre Ayew also demanded better performances from the biggest talents and experienced players in the team.
Sources say, the twenty four players gathered in the room listened in silence for about an hour as Andre Ayew gave them a dress down.
Andre ended his speech by asking his teammates to make up for the poor showing on Friday, with a good performance.
Friday’s incident was the second time in two years that Le Havre forward has had to rip into his teammates for their poor performances.
In 2021, Andre Ayew gave a similar speech after Ghana lost to South Africa by 1-0 in a World Cup Qualifier in Johannesburg.
On Saturday, Andrew and twenty Black Stars players have arrived in Moroni for Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier against Comoros.
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