Black Stars coach Otto Addo was queried on the reasons behind the omission of Thomas Partey from his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers final two matches and he gave a very honest response.
The enterprising tactician announced his final 26-man list earlier this afternoon with series of notable absentees in the squad including current skipper Thomas Partey.
Speaking on the exclusion of the Arsenal midfielder, the former Dortmund trainer said he spoke to the player who was very willing to return but he explained into details to him why he wouldn't need his service this time around.
“I had a confidential talk with Thomas. I am the coach who always wants to protect the players,” Addo told the media.
“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.”
“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.
In his absence, Jordan Ayew, who is the longest serving and experienced player in the team, will be the captain ahead of the upcoming games.
The four-time African champions will be regrouping very soon to honour their final two games to officially wrap up the 2025 AFCON qualifiers of which qualification is currently looking very unlikely.
Ghana has just two points from their opening four matches, having lost two and drawn two and are currently sitting on the third spot in Group F, behind Sudan and leaders Angola.
The Black Stars will face next Angola on Friday, November 15 in Luanda, before they play Niger in their final group game on Monday, November 18, in Accra.
