Thomas Partey, has been left out of the Black Stars’ squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The decision by Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, sparked immediate reactions among fans and analysts, especially given Partey’s willingness to join the squad.
According to Addo, Partey was eager to play and even made efforts to be available for the team. However, prior to the Sudan match, Partey reportedly fell ill, which became the basis for his exclusion. The move, however, seems to be more complex, with possible links to his previous withdrawal from national duties. Last month, Partey cited an injury and refused to travel to Ghana for an assessment, a decision that didn’t sit well with the coaching staff and federation. The decision to exclude him seem to have been borne out of his previous absenteeism for those Sudan games.
“I had a confidential talk with Thomas Partey,” Coach Addo explained. “I’m a coach who always likes to protect the players, so I hope you understand.” He hinted at deeper, undisclosed reasons for the decision but emphasized that, for him, “the team is like family, and I’m not coming out with internal issues.”
Although Addo stressed that Partey wanted to play. “He wanted to come, but I made it quite clear to him why he’s not coming,” Addo added, suggesting that the decision was informed by a desire to preserve team harmony and trust.
With Ghana’s qualification journey at stake, it remains to be seen how the Black Stars will fare without their influential midfielder. Coach Addo’s stance underscores a balancing act between maintaining discipline and managing the pressures of international competition, leaving the door open for Partey to rejoin the team under clearer terms.
