This is why Baba Rahman no longer plays for the Black Stars
Ghana coach Otto Addo has revealed the reasons behind Abdul Baba Rahman's prolonged absence from the Black Stars, shedding light on the left-back's decision to step back from national team duties.
Rahman, who last played for Ghana in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) in September 2023, has not featured for the national team since that match in Kumasi. Despite Ghana's victory in the game, Rahman faced harsh treatment from fans at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where every touch he made was met with boos and jeers.
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The PAOK defender has maintained impressive form at the club level but has remained absent from the Black Stars for nearly a year. Speaking to journalists after announcing his latest squad for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger, Coach Addo disclosed that the hostile reception Rahman received in Kumasi had a significant impact on the player.
Addo explained that despite his efforts to bring Rahman back into the national team fold, the player has consistently declined invitations. "Players have families and friends, and it affects a whole lot of things. They’re all human beings, and there should always be a line. I hope that one day Baba will decide to play again for the Black Stars, but at the moment he doesn’t want to play," Addo said.
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The coach also mentioned that he had a lengthy discussion with Rahman and even considered traveling to meet him in person, but the player remained firm in his decision not to return to the national team.
As Ghana prepares to face Angola on September 6 in Kumasi, followed by a match against Niger four days later, the absence of Rahman remains a significant talking point. Coach Addo acknowledged that the team would have greatly benefited from Rahman's presence but respects the player's choice.