Ayew tests negative for COVID-19, fit for Eagles clash

The Black Stars have been handed a major boost ahead of the crucial play-off against Nigeria, after Crystal Place forward Jordan Ayew tested negative for COVID-19 and will now be available for the World Cup play-off on Friday.

The 30-year-old was initially said to be out of the clash after testing positive for COVID-19 and missed out on the Eagles’ semi-final FA Cup win over Everton at Selhurst Park Stadium on Sunday.

Despite the forward testing positive for COVID-19, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo included him in his 27-man squad that was released on Tuesday.

However, Ghana Football Association, through its Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, confirmed that the Crystal Palace player’s test has turned out negative and would be available for selection for the World Cup play-off against Nigeria.

“Jordan Ayew has tested negative for Covid and will join the team later this week in Kumasi ahead of the Nigeria game,” Asante Twum was quoted as saying by ghanaweb.com.

The report also added that Ayew had left England to join his Black Stars teammates for the crucial encounter with the family spokesperson, Fiifi Tackie, posting a picture of the forward in a plane heading to Ghana.

Ayew was named alongside Felix Afena Gyan, Kwasi Okyere Wriedt, and Christopher Antwi-Adjei by Addo as the four attacking options for the Black Stars.

PUNCH/Nnenna.O