'Hat trick' hero Jordan Ayew is an intelligent player, says Ghana coach Otto Addo
Black Stars celebrate
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has lauded Jordan Ayew, describing him as an intelligent player following his superlative performance against Central African Republic.
The 32-year-old striker grabbed headlines by scoring a hat trick against the Wild Beasts in the matchday four games of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, leading Ghana to a thrilling 4-3 victory at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday night.
Last Thursday, Ayew came off the bench to net the decisive goal in a 2-1 comeback win over Mali in Bamako in the matchday three games of the qualifiers.
This victory marked Ghana’s third win in the World Cup qualifiers, propelling them to the top of the Group I standings, pending the results of other group matches.
After the game, Addo emphasized that Ayew’s hard work often goes unnoticed.
“I know that strikers are always judged by goals, but he is a striker who can work defensively and is tactically very intelligent,” said the 43-year-old coach.
“That’s why sometimes you can use him as a winger because he closes everything down, he works hard, and people don’t often see this,” he added.
Before the match, the Crystal Palace forward was honoured for making 100 appearances for the Black Stars.
Ayew’s hat trick brings his tally to 27 goals for the national team, with six goals in four matches for Ghana under Otto Addo.
The Black Stars are aiming for their fifth World Cup qualification, having previously made it to the tournament in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.
Otto Addo and his team will resume their World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.
Advertisement
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment