Otto Addo explains Thomas Partey’s exclusion from Black Stars squad for Angola, Niger games

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has offered insight into his decision to leave Thomas Partey out of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, revealing that a private conversation was behind the decision, aimed at protecting the player.

In a media briefing, Addo emphasized his commitment to player welfare, noting that the discussion with Partey was confidential. “I had a confidential talk with Thomas.

“I am the coach who always wants to protect the players,” he said. “The whole point for me was getting the understanding. I am not going to tell you the internal issues, but I made it quite clear to him; he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he’s not coming.

“While the specifics of the conversation remain private, Addo suggested that the exclusion was based on personal matters between him and Partey, with the decision mutually understood.

“Like I said, it is confidential, so it’s difficult for me to mention all the things, so maybe we have to move on,” he added, signaling that the matter has been resolved.Partey’s absence has led to adjustments in the team’s leadership.

Addo revealed that Partey had initially been earmarked to lead the squad. “The initiative was to make Thomas the captain of the team and for him to guide the team,” Addo explained.

With Partey unavailable, Addo has turned to younger players for leadership roles. “After the talks with Thomas… I had to talk to Kudus. For him, I think he’s still young; he needs to grow into that role,” he said.

In light of Partey’s absence, Jordan Ayew has assumed the captaincy, with Addo noting, “The last time, he was the captain because we expected Thomas to come.”