The Ghana boss says his decision to leave the Ayew brothers out of the squad to face Uganda had nothing to do with their absence from last month's World Cup qualifier against Congo. 

Kwesi Appiah announced his 26-man provisional squad for the must-win clash against Uganda in Kampala next week without Jordan and Andre Ayew. 

His decision has sparked a huge debate with reports suggesting Appiah omitted the experienced duo because they did not honour the return leg against Congo in Brazzaville.

West Ham United star Andre claimed he had suffered an injury after the first leg in Kumasi and withdrew while Jordan of Swansea City ejected himself from the squad after claiming he had food poisoning.

Jordan backed his claim by releasing a photo of him on a sick bed receiving treatment.

The two players were accused of malingering and that Appiah snubbed them because of that.

But the ex-Ghana captain has denied and explained that: ''I know some people would make that assumption, but it has nothing to do with that, 

''We already know Dede (Andre) and Jordan in the team so we want to give other players the chance to see what they can also do for the nation.

''I didn't see how we were going to change the team that did so well against Congo in Brazzaville.''

The squad will be whittled down to 23 players and they will travel to face the Cranes at the Mandela National Stadium, on October 7. 

The Black Stars know that even with a win in Kampala their World Cup dreams will be over if Egypt overcome Congo at home. 

Group E standing ahead of penultimate games