Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has addressed the controversy surrounding the captain’s armband during Ghana’s 5-0 win over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Addo stated that he did not see the armband being ‘left on the ground’, contradicting claims that players rejected it.
The incident occurred in the second half when Jordan Ayew, the newly appointed captain, was substituted in the 80th minute.
Ayew passed the armband to Alexander Djiku, who then passed it to Thomas Partey, insisting the Arsenal star wore the armband.
Partey consulted the bench before putting it on.
He was replaced in the 83rd minute by Lawrence Agyekum. On his way off, he attempted to hand the armband to Djiku, who declined again and instead passed it to Mohammed Kudus, who wore it for the rest of the match.
Quizzed about the incident, Addo downplayed the controversy, saying, “I didn’t see the armband lying on the grass. After Jordan left, somebody took it. When Partey left, somebody took it. So everything is clear.”
The Black Stars’ convincing win over Chad has propelled them to the top of Group I with 12 points. A win against Madagascar on Monday would further solidify their position and bring them closer to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Credit: Kwesi Offei Frimpong
