Baba Rahman criticisms too harsh – Akonnor laments

Coach CK Akonnor has described as “a little bit too harsh” the criticisms of defender Baba Abdul Rahman’s form since returning to the Black Stars fold.

The left-back has consistently featured in Akonnor’s plans and games despite some section of Ghanaians voicing their disapproval over his form.

Baba trended for the wrong reasons when Ghana punched their ticket to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a 1-1 draw away to South Africa last Thursday.

Black Stars followers subjected the 26-year-old’s performance to intense scrutiny and repeated the same even when he scored against Sao Tome and Principe in the final qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Akonnor argues Baba – whose career woes began with an ACL injury on international duty some four years ago – needs help to rediscover his form than harsh criticisms.

“Baba Rahman has been through a lot through injuries and other things. He got injured here with Black Stars when he was in the Afcon [Gabon 2017],” he said.

“Who will be the best people to help him?

“I think it is a little bit too harsh with the way we criticize him. He is on his way to be better and he will do well in the coming days.

“He’s got a club. He’s going to play regularly and things will change for him and I think we are a little bit too hard on him,” Akonnor added

In a bid to rediscover his form, fit-again Baba Rahman secured a loan move to Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki from Premier League giants Chelsea in the January transfer window. He has since made five appearances and netted once.