Black Stars coach explains why Jordan Ayew played as a left-winger against Nigeria

Assistant coach of the Black Stars, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has explained why the Crystal Palace’ forward, Jordan Ayew did not play as the leading attacker against the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the World Cup qualifier play-offs.

The 55-year-old was named as a member of a crack four-man team tasked with supervising the country’s crunch 2022 World Cup playoffs against rivals Nigeria.

The change of position saw Felix Afena-Gyan, the Roma youngster playing as the leading striker whiles Jordan Ayew played as a left-winger in both legs.

According to Coach Mas-Ud, Jordan needed to be more efficient than just thinking about his position.

The new tactics from Otto Addo and the technical team helped the Black Stars to qualify with a 1-1 scoreline.

Usually, the forward has been playing as a right midfielder and as a winger in the English Premiership for Crystal Palace. Jordan is capable of leading the team as an attacker.

Didi Dramani disclosed the reason behind Jordan’s position through an interview with Ghanasportspage.com.

“I think that what needed was to let him be efficient. Efficiency was more valued and some efficiency is more valued than just thinking about a position of the player and the materials you have against the opposition informs where you have to pay the players.” He said.

“Jordan of late in Crystal Palace plays more on the right and he’s been very very effective and efficient. We saw his last game against Thomas Partey’s Arsenal. He was one of the best players on the pitch and his capacity in terms of his endurance has been very very encouraging. He told ghanasportspage.com.

“Unfortunately, Jordan had COVID before the international break so he just came a day before our game against Nigeria. You can understand that Jordan just played for close to fifteen minutes and it was not fully executed but you know he was tactically more oriented.

“We spoke to him individually in terms of what to do when you are on the ball and you don’t have the ball. He had video lessons with him before the game. He understood certain things as a professional and so we were absolutely in control and under the Otto Addo leadership”.