by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana coach Otto Addo has revealed the reasons behind Abdul Baba Rahman’s continued absence from the Black Stars, shedding light on the left-back’s decision to step away from national team duties. Rahman last featured for Ghana in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) in September 2023. Despite Ghana’s victory, Rahman faced harsh treatment from fans at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with every touch he made met with boos and jeers.
Although Rahman has maintained impressive form at the club level with PAOK, he has declined invitations to return to the Black Stars, citing the negative experience he endured in Kumasi. Coach Addo acknowledged the player’s reluctance, stating that while he hopes Rahman will one day decide to rejoin the national team, he respects the player’s decision not to play at this time. As Ghana prepares for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Rahman’s absence continues to be a significant topic of discussion.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has stated that his focus is on enjoying the remaining year of his current contract rather than worrying about his future. The 32-year-old, whose contract with Liverpool expires this summer, has yet to sign a new deal.
Liverpool previously rejected a ÂŁ150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for Salah last September, but the Egyptian captain is taking a relaxed approach to his future. In an interview with Sky Sports, Salah expressed his desire to savor the present moment, saying, “I’ve got one year left, let’s just enjoy it and don’t think about the contract.”
Salah joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017 for ÂŁ34 million and has since become one of the club’s all-time top scorers with 213 goals in 351 appearances. After signing a three-year deal in July 2022, reportedly making him Liverpool’s highest-paid player at over ÂŁ350,000 a week, Salah has adapted well to new manager Arne Slot, scoring in his first two Premier League games under the Dutchman. Salah has won every major trophy with Liverpool, except for the Europa League.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo has emphasized that his focus in player selection for international matches is on individual quality rather than the league they play in.
This comes after Addo included only one local player, Frederick Asare of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, in his final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The squad mainly comprises players who featured in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Addo stated that while the local league is closely monitored, his primary concern is choosing the best players, regardless of whether they play in the Ghana Premier League, the French League, or other international leagues. He stressed that the objective is to select the players he believes are most capable of securing victories against Angola and Niger in the upcoming qualifiers.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Chairman, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe, has lauded the current GFA leadership for the significant upgrades made to the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The commendation came during the inauguration of the BetPawa AstroTurf by GFA President Edwin Simeon-Okraku, alongside BetPawa officials, executive council members, and congress delegates. This development initiative is geared towards nurturing future football talents in Ghana.
Dr. Tamakloe, who was present at the event, acknowledged that during his tenure, only one structure was completed at the center, and he praised the current administration for their impressive progress. He extended his congratulations to the leadership for their efforts in enhancing the facility.
Once completed, the upgraded Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence will include floodlights at the BetPawa AstroTurf, two top-tier natural grass pitches, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a Futsal arena, and a 40-bed accommodation facility.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has emphasized the importance of dual-nationality players committing early to the Ghana national team, rather than waiting until just before major tournaments.
During a press conference announcing the squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Addo addressed the situation regarding British-born players of Ghanaian descent, Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi. He revealed that while he had approached them prior to Ghana’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria, they had requested more time to decide.
Addo made it clear that while the door remains open for such players, he believes they should integrate into the team well before a tournament to familiarize themselves with the coach, teammates, and the overall environment. “This is the only point where I say the door is closed,” he stated, reinforcing the need for early commitment.
Ghana is set to face Angola on September 5 in Kumasi and Niger on September 9 in Morocco as part of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
