Avram Grant Nearly Dismissed Andre Ayew from Black Stars Camp Reveals George Afriyie

Accra: Former president of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie, has disclosed a surprising incident involving Andre Ayew during the initial period of Avram Grant's leadership as the Black Stars coach. According to Ghana Web, the revelation pertains to the period leading up to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. During this time, Grant had announced his team lineup, but Andre Ayew, for reasons not entirely explained, arrived late to the training camp. In an interview with Sporty FM, Afriyie shared how the national team almost lost one of its key players due to this delay. 'I'll tell you a secret. Andre did not arrive in camp early during Grant's first call-up. Grant vowed to send him home for that and wasn't ready to listen to anybody. Andre had to come to the Black Stars camp with a chartered flight,' Afriyie disclosed. Despite the initial threat of dismissal, Afriyie explained that Ayew was eventually allowed to remain with the team. 'The only reason Grant allowed him to join the team was because Andre came with a receipt showing that his daughter was sick, and that was what delayed his arrival,' he added. Avram Grant, appointed in December 2014 on a 27-month contract, notably led Ghana to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars narrowly lost to Côte d'Ivoire in a penalty shoot-out. Although Grant's tenure saw moments of near success, it concluded after the 2017 AFCON with Ghana finishing in fourth place.