2025 AFCON Qualifiers: He wanted to come but I explained to him why I dropped him - Otto Addo on Thomas Partey's absence for Angola, Niger games

Black Stars coach Otto Addo has explained why Thomas Partey has been dropped from Ghana's squad for their upcoming matches.

The Arsenal midfielder has been left out of the 25-man squad for the final round of games of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger

Addressing the media, Addo emphasised his commitment to maintaining confidentiality regarding specific details of the discussions but provided insight into the factors guiding his decision.

"I had a confidential talk with Thomas. I am the coach who always wants to protect the players," Addo explained.

"The whole point for me was getting the understanding. I am not going to tell you the internal issues, but I made it quite clear to him; he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he's not coming."

He continued, "Like I said, it is confidential, so it’s difficult for me to mention all the things, so maybe we have to move on," he added, indicating that the matter is settled.

The absence of Partey, a key figure in the Black Stars squad, has also led to adjustments in the team’s leadership structure.

Addo shared that there had initially been plans to make Partey the captain, a role that would position him as a guiding figure for the team.

"The initiative was to make Thomas the captain of the team and for him to guide the team, to lead the team," Addo stated.

With Partey’s absence, however, Addo turned to younger players to step into leadership roles.

"After the talks with Thomas... I had to talk to Kudus. For him, I think he’s still young; he needs to grow into that role."

Addo confirmed that defender Alexander Djiku and midfielder Mohammed Kudus had been appointed to assist Partey previously, but Jordan Ayew is taking up the captaincy in Partey’s absence.

"The last time, he was the captain because we expected Thomas to come," he said.

Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew will lead the side as skipper for the team for the games.

Ghana will travel to Luanda to face Angola on November 15 Estádio 11 de Novembro, followed by a home match against Niger Republic three days later at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars currently sit in third place in Group F, with only two points from their four matches, trailing both Palancas Negras and Sudan.