Black Stars coach Otto Addo has reacted to Alfred Duncan’s decision to retire from international football, citing unfair treatment.
Duncan, 29, said in a statement that he has been “humiliated, discriminated against, and left aside for years,” which is why he has decided to retire and focus on club football.
When asked about Duncan ahead of Ghana’s 2023 Africa Cup qualifying match against Madagascar on Wednesday, Addo said the news surprised him because he had plans for the Fiorentina midfielder.
“The last time I spoke to Alfred Duncan was in February, I gave him an invite but he declined and told me his reasons and I accepted it as a coach,” Addo said at a pre-match press conference.
“I approached Duncan about a call-up, but the midfielder turned me down. Duncan’s decision to end his international career at the age of 29 surprised me”
“Last time I called was February. I wanted to invite him. He told me the reason why he didn’t want to come. It’s hard for me to understand.”
“He has the opportunity to join a team going to World Cup but he has his reasons. I have to accept it”, Otto Addo added.
The Black Stars face lowly-rated Madagascar in Cape Coast in a match that the four-time African champions are overwhelming favourites to win as they seek a tenth consecutive Afcon appearance.
The game is set to begin at 19:00 GMT.
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