Social media users have taken to their various platforms to express their excitement over the exclusion of Baba Rahman in the latest Black Stars squad announced by Chris Hughton. The Reading left-back’s exclusion has been described by many as a bold move by the new Black Stars coach.
Many social media users have expressed the view that Baba Rahman has overstayed his welcome in the Black Stars, and therefore, the decision by Chris Hughton to leave him out of the team is a welcomed development. This move by Chris Hughton is seen as an indication of how firm and fair he will be in the selection of players for the Black Stars going forward.
Baba Rahman is one of six players who were part of the World Cup squad but have been left out of Chris Hughton’s maiden selection as Black Stars coach. The squad announced on Thursday, March 9, 2023, has the usual faces of the Ayew brothers, Thomas Partey, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, and Inaki Williams.
The team includes some returnees such as Jojo Wollacott, Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorfer, and Edmund Addo. However, notable players such as Felix Afena-Gyan, Ibrahim Danlad, Afriyie Barnieh, and several others did not make the final cut.
It is worth noting that the 25-man squad is dominated by players who ply their trade in Europe, with no local player making the cut. This has raised some concerns among local football fans who believe that there is still a lot of untapped talent in the local league.
The Black Stars are set to take on Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 23, in what will be Chris Hughton’s first game as the substantive manager of the Black Stars. Four days later, the team will play Angola in their country.
