Unity Cup: Baba Rahman Reportedly Back in Black Stars Team After 2 Years Out
- Baba Rahman has reportedly returned to the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2025 Unity Cup
- The ex-Chelsea defender has not played for the senior men's team since September 2023
- Ghana faces Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, in the semi-finals of the four-nation tourney
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Abdul Baba Rahman is reportedly set for a surprise return to the international scene after nearly two years out of the Ghanaian national football team.
It has been claimed that the experienced defender was in the Black Stars camp ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in the United Kingdom.
Jamaica faces Trinidad and Tobago on May 27, followed by Ghana vs Nigeria on May 28, with the respective winners meeting in the final on May 31.
Source: Getty Images
Baba Rahman returns to the Black Stars
The 30-year-old defender last featured for the national team in September 2023 during an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic, per Transfermarkt.
Baba had been absent despite several attempts by team handlers to lure him back. Until now, those efforts had come up short but the left-back appears to have changed his mind again.
With impressive showings in the Greek Super League for PAOK, his return couldn't have come at a better time for Ghana.
According to Owuraku Ampofo of 3Sports, he was seen in the camp ahead of the Unity Cup clash against Nigeria on May 28.
Sharing his thoughts on the return of Baba to the Black Stars, Awal Mohammed Hudu of Kessben Media told YEN.com.gh:
"He has been in very good form since he left the national team, and his return is welcome news. We need all the best-performing Ghanaian players in the Black Stars. In his absence, we have not really found anyone to solidify the position, although Gideon Mensah has been the preferred option."
Baba Rahman, others in Unity Cup camp
Rahman isn’t the only notable presence in camp, as a few standouts from the Ghana Premier League also made the trip to London ahead of the game against the Super Eagles.
These include Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Razak Simpson of Nations FC, Medeama's Kamaradini Mahamudu, and Asante Kotoko striker Kwame Poku.
Additionally, reports have indicated that German-born defender Stephan Ambrosius and Lawrence Ati-Zigi are among those who have been spotted training with the team.
Though the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is yet to officially publish the final squad list for the four-nation invitational, social media clips have offered visuals of those stars involved.
Unity Cup a crucial test for Ghana
The Unity Cup, from May 27 to 31, 2025, at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, presents more than just bragging rights.
The showdown with Nigeria isn't just a friendly; it could serve as a barometer for Ghana’s progress under Otto Addo's leadership.
The Black Stars would hope to defeat the Super Eagles and compete in the final, also set for May 31, as reported by Capital Xtra.
The Unity Cup also comes in the wake of a painful setback - failing to qualify for AFCON 2025. That disappointment has left Black Stars fans disillusioned and the squad’s reputation under scrutiny.
However, consecutive victories over Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have injected momentum into Ghana’s campaign to once again compete on the biggest stage.
With 15 points from six matches so far, the four-time African champions currently lead Group I, placing them in a strong position on the road to Canada, Mexico and the US, per ESPN Africa.
Fatau Dauda celebrates near Man City bus
YEN.com.gh also reported that Ghana's goalkeeping coach, Fatau Dauda, rode the wave of excitement as the Black Stars arrived in London, England for the 2025 Unity Cup.
In an Instagram post, he was spotted beaming as he soaked up the atmosphere near the Manchester City team bus, exuding confidence ahead of the showdown against Nigeria.
Source: YEN.com.gh
