Former Ghana international Augustine Arhinful believes that Black Stars coach Otto Addo has mishandled communications with Andre Ayew and Baba Rahman, who were excluded from the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Andre Ayew and Baba Rahman were notably absent from the squad announced last week.
Addressing the exclusion of these players, Addo explained that leaving out the Le Havre midfielder was a difficult decision. He also mentioned having a long conversation with Andre Ayew to explain his absence from the squad.
Baba Rahman, a left-back, has imposed a self-exile from the national team following boos from fans during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic last year at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. According to the coach, Rahman is still affected by the negative reaction he received.
Arhinful criticized Addo for revealing details of his discussions with the players, stating that it has created problems for himself.
“The communication put there is an issue. You have to be supported and decision that you are making. If you make a decision, they come back to come and tell us that one I called him I spoke to him he didn’t take it lightly at all, then you are giving way for us to make this argument that we are making," he told Asaase Radio.
He added, “Whatever you think that you can do to bring good fortune to the team is what you have to concentrate on. If you make communications like that publicly, then you are creating problems for yourself.
“Should we go to Mali or should we play these two marches and if it doesn’t go well, we will start blaming you," he added.
The Black Stars are set to face Mali on Thursday, June 6, at Stade du 26 Mars, followed by a match against the Central African Republic on June 10 at Baba Yara Stadium for matchday three and four games.