Ghana coach Otto Addo has revealed that defender Baba Abdul Rahman is hesitant to rejoin the Black Stars. Rahman was notably absent from the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, which Ghana won back-to-back to boost their qualification hopes.
Previously, Rahman had chosen to focus on his club commitments rather than participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Now, as Otto Addo announced his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, he disclosed that Rahman remains reluctant to return to the national team.
“Baba Rahman has family commitments, and the last time, I appealed for the media to tone down their criticism. He is reluctant to return because of past issues, but the door is still open for him,” Addo stated during a press conference.
Despite Rahman's absence, notable players such as Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Salisu, and Jordan Ayew have been included in the squad. Captain Andre Ayew, currently without a club, has been omitted for the second consecutive selection.
The Black Stars will face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5 and then travel to Morocco to play Niger on September 9. These qualifiers are crucial for Ghana's bid to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON, with the top two teams from each group earning automatic qualification.
