Abdul Baba Rahman has been named in the Ghana squad for the first time in almost three years after Carlos Queiroz included the experienced left-back in his 28-man group for the pre-World Cup friendly against Wales on June 2.
The PAOK defender’s recall is one of the headline stories from a squad announcement that doubles as the final selection opportunity before Queiroz names his definitive 26-man group for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With just two players set to miss the cut from the current list, every training session and minute against Wales carries significant weight for those fighting to secure their place on the plane.
Rahman exiled himself from the national team following what he felt was excessive criticisms of his performances from fans and pundits. He rejected several call ups citing that he was not mentally ready to play for the Black Stars.
However, the former Chelsea defender has rescinded that decision and if selected, will play for Ghana for the first time since playing in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Central African Republic in 2023.
Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside England, Panama and Croatia at the Mundial, a group that presents a genuine opportunity for progression if the Black Stars can find their best form.
It is a challenge Queiroz has made no secret of targeting, with Ghana aiming to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since their famous quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a feat that remains the high watermark of Ghanaian football on the global stage.
Baba Rahman’s return adds a layer of experience and quality to a squad that blends seasoned international campaigners with players pushing for their first taste of World Cup football.
A Closer Look at the Squad
Also catching the eye among the inclusions are Abdul Mumin and Ernest Nuamah, both named despite only returning from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in April and haven’t featured much for their clubs.
Their selection is a statement of faith from Queiroz, who clearly views both players as central to his plans though they will need to prove their sharpness during the camp to nail down their spots in the final 26.
The goalkeeping department is the most congested area of the squad, with five shot-stoppers named in a group where only two are expected to be released before the tournament.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi of St. Gallen and St. Patrick’s Athletic’s Joseph Anang retain their places as the established options, joined by Ajax’s Paul Reverson and two representatives from Accra Hearts of Oak in Benjamin Asare and Solomon Agbasi.
Agbasi’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, coming on the back of an impressive domestic season that saw him establish himself as one of the Ghana Premier League’s standout goalkeepers despite being number two to Benjamin Asare.
His call-up, alongside club teammate Asare, means Hearts of Oak contribute two of the five goalkeepers in camp, a reflection of the club’s strong season between the sticks despite a third-place league finish.
One notable absentee from the squad is Derrick Kohn, who misses out despite an encouraging performance in Ghana’s recent friendly against Germany, a match the Black Stars lost 2-1.
His omission will raise eyebrows among those who felt his display warranted inclusion, but Queiroz has made his selection priorities clear.
The wider squad carries a strong European flavour, with Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City) and Alexander Djiku of Spartak Moscow all included.
Captain Jordan Ayew, also of Leicester City, brings leadership and major tournament experience to a dressing room that will need both qualities in abundance when Ghana appears at the Mundial.
The preparation camp runs from, May 25, through to June 2, giving Queiroz just over a week to assess his options before finalising the squad that will carry Ghana’s World Cup hopes though the coach is mandated by FIFA to name his squad latest by June 1. This means the final players to represent the country will be known even before the friendly game against Wales.
For Baba Rahman, his return it is an opportunity to make up for lost time and earn a place in what could be a historic summer for the Black Stars.
