Local Players Escalated Abedi Pele-Tony Yeboah Feud, Claims Mallam Yahaya

Former Ghana international Mallam Yahaya has shed new light on the longstanding rift between Black Stars legends Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah. According to Yahaya, internal team politics played a significant role in intensifying the feud between the two greats.

Yahaya revealed that the tension between Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, particularly around the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), went deeper than widely believed. Ghana lost the final of that tournament to Ivory Coast in a dramatic penalty shootout.

In Abedi’s absence from the final, Anthony Baffoe was appointed captain over then-assistant captain Yeboah, an act that reportedly left Yeboah feeling slighted.

Yahaya claims that some local players exploited the situation, deepening the division between Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah.

“During our time in the national team, there was a lot of talk behind the scenes,” Yahaya said. “Some of the Kumasi-based players and the Accra-based players would go to Abedi Pele or Tony Yeboah and try to seek their sympathy, fueling the tension between them.”

Yahaya further revealed that gossip and rumors played a significant role in exacerbating the feud.

“They would gossip about each other and make comments that further deepened the divide,” he added.

The former Black Stars midfielder’s comments provide new insight into the complex dynamics that contributed to the rift between two of Ghana’s most beloved football icons.

Yahaya’s account offers a nuanced perspective on the Abedi Pele-Tony Yeboah feud, highlighting the role of internal team politics and local players in escalating the tension.

The revelation adds depth to the narrative surrounding the legendary players and their complicated relationship.