Otto Addo has not abandoned any player – Richard Ofori opens up on Black Stars absence

Ghana international Richard Ofori has opened up about his long-term absence from the Black Stars, insisting head coach Otto Addo has not abandoned any player.

The 31-year-old, who plies his trade for South African outfit, AmaZulu has not played for the Black Stars since AFCON 2023, held in Ivory Coast.

Despite his consistent Black Stars snub, Ofori, who once served as second deputy captain for the national team has jumped to the defense of Otto Addo over his exclusion.

“He hasn’t abandoned any player, but we focus more on the ones that they are playing, because the World Cup qualifiers were so intense.” he told iDiski Times.

Meanwhile, the experienced goalkeeper has set sights on returning to the West African giants squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico, stressing that maintaining good form at club level is key to reclaiming his place in the national team.

“Yeah I’m still playing” d Ofori on iDiski Times. “So I’m working hard and then focusing on my team at the moment. That’s what you need to do for you to be there, because you can’t sit on the bench, or you can’t sit and then just wake up and go.

The former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has made 33 appearances since making his debut for the Black Stars back in 2015.

This season, Ofori has made three appearances out of eight matches in the South African Premier League, conceding five goals across the period.