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PAOK left back Baba Rahman says his decision to opt out of Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is purely based on footballing reasons, and nothing else.
Some commentators are attributing him opting not to be considered for selection to his booing when he last played for Ghana in September, but he has denied such.
The 29-year-old has not made a Black Stars team since playing over an hour in September in Ghana’s final qualifying game for the tournament. During that game, he was booed by the crowd for his performance.
Hughton named the squad on Monday morning without Baba in the team.
This season, the former Chelsea man has featured in 15 games in all competitions and provided two assists.
“I just wanted to say that decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else,” he said in a Twitter statement.
“Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and everytime I have been lucky to wear the shirt I have given my all.
“The last few years I have had to battle injuries and recovery times and I feel that it’s best in the interest of my career and that of the team to only play when I don’t have to think about recovery or pain- that way I can always give my best to the team.“
Ghana is set to open their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024 - that is in 13 days.
The Black Stars will then play against record champions Egypt in their second group match against Egypt in four days before wrapping up the group face against Mozambique on January 22.
By January 2024, it will be 42 years since Ghana last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982.
Some commentators are attributing him opting not to be considered for selection to his booing when he last played for Ghana in September, but he has denied such.
The 29-year-old has not made a Black Stars team since playing over an hour in September in Ghana’s final qualifying game for the tournament. During that game, he was booed by the crowd for his performance.
Hughton named the squad on Monday morning without Baba in the team.
This season, the former Chelsea man has featured in 15 games in all competitions and provided two assists.
“I just wanted to say that decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else,” he said in a Twitter statement.
“Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and everytime I have been lucky to wear the shirt I have given my all.
“The last few years I have had to battle injuries and recovery times and I feel that it’s best in the interest of my career and that of the team to only play when I don’t have to think about recovery or pain- that way I can always give my best to the team.“
Ghana is set to open their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024 - that is in 13 days.
The Black Stars will then play against record champions Egypt in their second group match against Egypt in four days before wrapping up the group face against Mozambique on January 22.
By January 2024, it will be 42 years since Ghana last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982.