Ghana coach Otto Addo reveals that defender Baba Abdul Rahman hesitates to rejoin the Black Stars team.
Rahman’s absence was noticeable during the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, where Ghana secured crucial back-to-back wins.
The former Chelsea defender had previously withdrawn from national team duties before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to focus on his club career.
According to Otto Addo, Rahman remains reluctant to return to the national team, as announced during the unveiling of the squad for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Angola and Niger.
Baba Rahman has family, and the last time, I appealed that the media should tone down, but he is reluctant to come because of what happened the last time, but the door is still open for his return, he said at the press conference.
Notable players like Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Salisu, Jordan Ayew and others have all been named in the squad.
However, captain Andre Ayew, currently a free agent, has been omitted from the squad for the second consecutive time.
The team is set to face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by a match against Niger in Morocco on September 9.
These AFCON qualifiers are crucial for the Black Stars, as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament.
The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the CAF’s premier continental competition.