Ghana soccer player Baba Rahman said he first refused to join the national team during 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tryouts against Sudan. The defender was healing from a long injury at Chelsea when coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor picked him for the Black Stars squad. Many people criticized the choice because they questioned whether Rahman could play at his best level. The left-back admitted he did not think he earned the spot on the team at that time.
Rahman changed his mind after officials from the Ghana Football Association talked with him about the situation. The coach and federation leaders explained they needed experienced left-backs because other players were not available. Rahman decided to accept the call-up after learning about the team's shortage of defenders in his position. He joined the squad despite feeling unsure about his fitness and readiness for international matches.
Coach Akonnor defended his decision to select Rahman even though fans and media outlets complained about the choice. The coach believed having seasoned players helped the team perform better during important games. However, Akonnor lost his job later because Ghana started poorly in their 2022 World Cup qualifying matches. The coach was fired after the team failed to meet expectations in early qualifying rounds.
Rahman changed his mind after officials from the Ghana Football Association talked with him about the situation. The coach and federation leaders explained they needed experienced left-backs because other players were not available. Rahman decided to accept the call-up after learning about the team's shortage of defenders in his position. He joined the squad despite feeling unsure about his fitness and readiness for international matches.
Coach Akonnor defended his decision to select Rahman even though fans and media outlets complained about the choice. The coach believed having seasoned players helped the team perform better during important games. However, Akonnor lost his job later because Ghana started poorly in their 2022 World Cup qualifying matches. The coach was fired after the team failed to meet expectations in early qualifying rounds.
