Otto Addo explains why Baba Rahman doesn’t want to play for Ghana Black Stars

Otto Addo, the coach of Ghana’s national team, has expressed frustration over the unsuccessful attempts to bring PAOK defender Baba Abdul Rahman back to the Black Stars fold.

Rahman, who opted out of the 2023 AFCON tournament earlier this year, citing personal reasons, has yet to feature for the national team since then.

Addo revealed that Rahman’s reluctance to join the team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central Africa Republic is rooted in the criticism and personal attacks he has faced in recent years.

“I spoke with him but he doesn’t want to come back. What happened in Kumasi affected him and his family a lot. Personal attacks, criticisms….if it is tactical or performance wise that’s okay but to attack him personally is not good,” he said.

“This game we will need him but I spoke to him and he was very sure that he was not coming back and it is our fault that he is not coming back,” he added.

Despite efforts to persuade him, Rahman remains steadfast in his decision. The squad for the qualifiers includes notable players such as Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, and Ernest Nuamah.

While stars like Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku have returned, captain Andre Ayew has been dropped from the team.

The Black Stars will begin preparations for the qualifiers on May 30, 2024, aiming to secure maximum points after a shaky start in the previous matches.