President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt ES Okraku has jumped to the defense of Black Stars player Philemon Baffour.
The young right-back – since his splendid performance at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) last year where the Black Satellites won gold – has enjoyed consistent invites to the Ghana senior national team but is yet to play in a competitive match.
Baffour made the Black Stars’ final squad for the 2021 Afcon in Cameroon but once again did not feature in any of the games as Ghana exited in the group stage of the competition with just one point.
The increasing phenomenon has made many to question the teenagers’ inclusion.
In a reaction, the GFA boss says the youngster is being unfairly picked on by Ghanaians.
“I think all of us have not been fair to that young boy called Philemon Baffour. He is a proud son of Ghana.
“He represented Ghana at the U-20 level and he excelled.
“He is currently the vice-captain of Dreams FC and has played in every single game for them this season in the Ghana Premier League,” Okraku said on Asempa FM.
“He [Philemon Baffour] was selected by the technical team and there was a reason why he was selected him.
“So why is everyone picking on him? He is a Ghanaian and played in Africa, why doesn’t he deserve the opportunity?
The position of Baffour’s critiques is further strengthened by the failure of coach Milovan Rajevac to field the player even in times that it was obvious the regular starter was not available or injured.
But GFA said: “If the coach decides to use Daniel Amartey, it is his prerogative, that does not take the quality of Philemon Baffour away.
“We need to stop the unfair criticism and support him; he’s made his mark at the club and U-20 level.”
