Ghana coach Otto Addo has defended Jordan Ayew after the striker was booed by fans during the 0-0 draw with Nigeria in the 2022 World Cup play-off first leg at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday night.
When Ayew was substituted late in the game, fans who were dissatisfied with his performance booed him.
According to Addo, though, Ayew performed well and did not deserve to be booed by the crowd.
“The booing I think is for me, no problem. I think it’s normal, Jordan [Ayew] played well, had a very good performance, especially in the first half.”
“A lot of one against ones… at the end. I don’t know if they don’t see it but he was tired and what they might not know… we watch a lot of matches, me and my squad… and I think we know what each of them is capable of,” said Addo.
Ayew was only with the squad for one training session because he arrived in Kumasi on Thursday morning.
Ayew was initially a doubt due to the coronavirus. He tested negative four days before the match and was allowed to join the Black Stars by Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old’s last goal for Ghana came in an Afcon qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe in March of last year.
Ayew can end his goal drought in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ghana need a win or scoring draw against Nigeria at Moshood Abiola National Stadium to qualify for the World Cup finals.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana