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Tag: Baba Rahman

  • Baba Rahman addresses calls for his return to the Black Stars

    Baba Rahman addresses calls for his return to the Black Stars

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has expressed his willingness to return to the Black Stars when fully fit. He explained that his decision to step back from the national team was due to injuries that had impacted his club performances.

    The PAOK player acknowledged the calls from Ghanaian fans for his return to the team, saying he appreciates their support and intends to rejoin the squad when the timing is right.

    Speaking with the BBC, Baba Rahman confirmed that, with his injury issues now under control, he is open to making himself available for national team selection.

    “It’s a personal decision to take a break (from Ghana) to concentrate on my fitness because I’ve not had a great time with injuries. When I joined PAOK last year, I just thought it was wise to stay away a bit from international football to get my fitness back.

    “Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana, but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now. People know about my injury history, and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again, and then I know my international career will take off again too,” he said.

    Rahman, one of the more seasoned defenders in the Black Stars lineup, has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances with the team.

    The left-back’s last appearance for Ghana was in September 2023 during an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) in Kumasi.

  • ‘Pained’ Baba Rahman turns down Black Stars call-up again

    ‘Pained’ Baba Rahman turns down Black Stars call-up again

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has once again declined a call-up to join the Black Stars, marking the third time he has turned down an invitation to represent his national team.

    On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Otto Addo revealed the 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

    Notably absent from the list is Baba Rahman, who has been performing well with his Greek club, PAOK.

    Otto Addo explained that Rahman’s absence was due to his reluctance to participate, citing unresolved dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from Black Stars supporters during a previous match in Kumasi.

    “Players have families and friends, and it affects a whole lot of things. They’re all human beings, and there should always be a line.

    I hope that one day Baba will decide to play again [for the Black Stars], but at the moment, he doesn’t want to play,” Addo said.

    “We would have needed him very much. I had a long talk with him, and I even wanted to fly there, but he was sure he wouldn’t change his mind.”

    Baba Rahman was notably targeted by Black Stars fans during a match in Kumasi in September 2023.

    During the encounter between Ghana and the Central African Republic, Rahman endured persistent abuse and boos from the supporters.

    This negative experience has led to Rahman not participating in any subsequent matches for the national team.

    Looking ahead, Ghana is set to play against Angola on September 6 in Kumasi, followed by another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger just four days later.

  • Premier League eye Baba Rahman after impressive season with PAOK

    Premier League eye Baba Rahman after impressive season with PAOK

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has garnered attention from two English Premier League clubs following his impressive season with Greek giants PAOK.

    Reports from both Greece and local media in Ghana indicate that several English clubs have expressed interest in the former Chelsea left-back.

    Rahman Baba has experienced a standout season, marking his return to PAOK with resounding success.

    He has featured in 42 matches, accumulating an impressive 3,382 minutes of playtime, while also netting 6 goals and providing 4 assists.

    His remarkable performances on the pitch this season have sparked speculation about a potential transfer.

    Rahman is no stranger to English football, having previously represented Chelsea and Reading.

    According to Ghanaian reports, scouts from Brentford were in attendance at PAOK’s recent match against Dinamo Zagreb to closely monitor his performance.

    Brentford, having suffered the loss of Rico Henry to a knee injury, are actively scouring the transfer market for reinforcements.

    Additionally, newly-promoted Ipswich, eager to strengthen their squad for the Premier League campaign, have identified Rahman as a target.

    The report highlights that “Baba has rediscovered his best form, and his tenure at PAOK has been distinguished by remarkable performances in both the league and European competitions.“

  • Baba Rahman rejected call-up for Ghana’s games – Otto Addo tells why

    Baba Rahman rejected call-up for Ghana’s games – Otto Addo tells why

    Black Stars coach Otto Addo has disclosed that Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman declined an invitation to join the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

    Baba Rahman was a notable absentee from the 26-man squad announced on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

    When questioned about Rahman’s omission, despite his stellar performance for PAOK in their Greek league-winning campaign, Addo explained that Rahman is still affected by the negative treatment he received from Black Stars fans during an AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic in September 2023.

    “I spoke with him, but he doesn’t want to come back… I don’t know what happened, but I think it affected him and his family. Personal attacks, criticisms… if it’s tactical or performance-wise, that’s okay, but personal attacks are not good,” he said.

    “We will need him for this game, but when I spoke to him, he was very sure that he was not coming back, and it is our fault that he is not coming back,” he added.

    The Black Stars are scheduled to face Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a match against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10.

  • Baba Rahman secures historic Greek Championship with PAOK

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman clinched the Greek Super League title with PAOK Thessaloniki on the final day of the season.

    The 29-year-old had an impressive season, finishing as the defender with the most goal contributions. PAOK triumphed over giants Olympiakos and Panathinaikos to secure the championship.

    Rahman played the full match in the decisive game as PAOK defeated ARIS on Sunday.

    Brandon put the visitors ahead at the half-hour mark, but ARIS equalized shortly after the break through Moron Garcia.

    Taison secured the victory for PAOK with a goal on the hour mark, sealing their status as champions.

    Rahman concluded the season with five goals and three assists, marking his best goal tally since moving to Europe.

    The former Augsburg defender returned to Greece after his stint with Chelsea in England.

    Meanwhile, reports from England suggest that the experienced left-back might return to the Premier League, with Brentford expressing interest in signing him.

  • Video: Baba Rahman, Odoi, Semenyo, other Black Stars players score goals for their clubs over the weekend

    Video: Baba Rahman, Odoi, Semenyo, other Black Stars players score goals for their clubs over the weekend

    It was a remarkable weekend for Ghanaian players plying their trade abroad, with more than five of them making their mark for their respective clubs across leagues in Europe and the USA.

    Among the standout performances was Antoine Semenyo’s stunning goal for Bournemouth against Burnley, earning him the title of ‘goal of the week’ for Ghanaian players abroad.

    Semenyo’s spectacular left-footed strike from the right flank secured a crucial 2-0 victory for Bournemouth in the 87th minute.

    Mohammed Kudus, though not on the scoresheet, contributed an assist for West Ham in their 3-0 triumph over Everton.

    His assist on Tomas Soucek’s goal played a pivotal role in sealing the win for the Hammers.

    In Greece, Baba Rahman continued his impressive form, netting his fourth goal of the season for PAOK in a 2-0 win against Lamia in the Greek Super League.

    Rahman’s goal showcased his skill as he expertly converted a cross with his right foot, solidifying his status as the highest-scoring Ghanaian defender in Europe with four goals and three assists.

    Stateside, Joseph Paintsil made a memorable impact for the LA Galaxy in the Major Soccer League, notching a goal and two assists in their victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.

    Paintsil’s left-footed strike and creative play helped secure a 3-1 win for his side.

    In Serbia, Osman Bukari found the back of the net for Red Star Belgrade in a 3-1 win against TSC, marking his seventh league goal of the season and aiding in Red Star’s pursuit of the league title.

    Lastly, in the Belgian league, Denis Odoi opened his scoring account for Club Brugge with a debut goal in their 3-0 victory over Genk.

    Odoi’s goal, doubling Brugge’s lead in the 73rd minute, highlighted his contribution to the team’s success alongside Belgian midfielder Maxim De Cuyper.

  • Baba Rahman named as Ghana’s highest-scoring defender in Europe

    Baba Rahman named as Ghana’s highest-scoring defender in Europe

    Baba Rahman’s outstanding season with PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece continues to impress, as he notched his fourth goal of the campaign.

    The Ghanaian defender has emerged as the highest-scoring defender from his country in the 2023–2024 season, marking a significant achievement.

    This season stands out as Rahman’s most prolific since his departure from Chelsea, with seven goals already contributed halfway through the season.

    Despite facing an injury scare and collapsing during the Greek Cup semi-final against Panathinaikos, Rahman returned to the squad for Sunday’s match.

    Beyond his attacking prowess, the 30-year-old has also demonstrated reliability in defence, contributing to PAOK’s solidity at the back.

    Rahman’s impressive goal tally places him atop the scoring charts among Ghanaian defenders in European leagues.

    Other defenders, such as Dennis Odoi, have also found the back of the net this season.

    Additionally, players like Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey have been instrumental in providing assists for their respective clubs in league competitions.

  • “I’m recovering well” – Baba Rahman breaks silence after collapse-scare

    “I’m recovering well” – Baba Rahman breaks silence after collapse-scare

    Ghanaian defender Abdul Baba Rahman has provided an update on his condition, stating that he is “recovering well” following an incident during a Greek Cup semi-final match on Wednesday evening.

    Rahman, who plays as a left-back, lost consciousness after colliding with an opponent during the game between Panathinaikos and PAOK.

    The collision occurred during an aerial duel in the 115th minute of the match, which had gone into extra time after a 2-2 tie in regulation time.

    Rahman received immediate medical attention on the pitch and eventually regained consciousness. However, as a precautionary measure, he was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and care.

    Breaking his silence via a post on social media, Rahman noted that “scans have shown no major damage” and thanked “everyone for their concern and well wishes in the last 12 or so hours.”

    “I’d like to also say a big thank you to Georgios Vagiannidis for personally checking in on me at the hospital. It was a tough night but I’d be back running up and down again soon,” he added.

    The match was briefly delayed due to the incident, but eventually resumed and went to a penalty shootout, which Panathinaikos won 6-5, securing their spot in the Greek Cup final.

  • Baba Rahman hospitalised after collapsing from a head-to-head collision with opponent

    Baba Rahman hospitalised after collapsing from a head-to-head collision with opponent

    During a semi-final match in the Greek Cup on Wednesday evening, Ghanaian defender Abdul Baba Rahman experienced a terrifying moment when he collapsed on the pitch.

    Rahman, who plays as a left-back for PAOK, collided with an opponent from Panathinaikos during the game.

    The incident occurred in the 115th minute of the match, which had entered extra time following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

    Rahman lost consciousness after his head inadvertently collided with an opponent’s during an aerial duel.

    Immediate medical assistance was provided to Rahman on the field, and fortunately, he regained consciousness shortly afterward.

    However, as a precautionary measure, he was taken off the pitch in an ambulance and is currently undergoing further observation at a hospital.

    The match was briefly paused due to the incident but resumed eventually, ending in a penalty shootout after neither team could break the deadlock.

    Panathinaikos emerged victorious in the shootout, securing their place in the Greek Cup final with a 6-5 win.

  • Baba Rahman earns spot in Greece Super League Team of the Week

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has secured a spot in Sofascore’s Greece Super League team of the week.

    In the Round 16 match at the Stadio Toumbas, Rahman played a crucial role for PAOK FC.

    The Black Stars full-back not only assisted Kiril Despodov in scoring the first goal in the 39th minute but also netted himself just two minutes later, doubling the lead for the hosts.

    Rahman continued to be influential, contributing to PAOK’s comprehensive win.

    The victory propelled PAOK FC to the top of the Greek Super League standings.

    Their next match is against Aris Thessaloniki FC on January 7th.

  • Baba Rahman misses AFCON line-up; he explains his exclusion

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has clarified the rationale behind his choice to withdraw from Ghana’s ultimate squad for the tournament in Ivory Coast. The PAOK Salonika left-back was notably absent when Ghana coach Chris Hughton revealed the final 27-man squad for the competition.

    In a statement posted on the micro-blogging site X, the former Chelsea and Reading left-back explained that he made the decision to prioritize his career.

    “Hear me out:

    “I just wanted to say that the decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else.

    “Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and every time I have been lucky to wear the shirt, I have given my all,” his message read in part.


    Baba Rahman, who has accumulated 51 caps for Ghana since his debut in 2014, has faced substantial criticism lately due to his underwhelming performances.

    The player’s relationship with fans has been strained, exacerbated by former Ghana coach CK Akonnor’s statement suggesting that Rahman was selected for the national team as a form of obligation.

    Baba Rahman experienced disapproval from the crowd during Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Chris Hughton’s inaugural game as the Black Stars coach.

    Ghana is set to commence their pre-tournament training camp in Kumasi on Tuesday.

    The four-time African champions are scheduled to face Namibia on January 8 in their sole preparatory friendly before departing for Ivory Coast on January 10.

  • Baba Rahman, Ofori make return to Black Stars squad as Party ‘absent’ ahead of CAR game

    Baba Rahman, Ofori make return to Black Stars squad as Party ‘absent’ ahead of CAR game

    The Black Stars Vice Captain, Thomas Partey, will miss out on Chris Hughton’s 25-man squad for the upcoming final AFCON Qualifier against the Central African Republic on September 7 due to injury.

    Similarly, Southampton forward Kamaldeen Sulemana will also not be included in Hughton’s selection for this crucial AFCON Qualifier.

    However, there is positive news as PAOK defender Baba Rahman, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, and Auxerre midfielder Elisha Owusu have all made their way back into the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.

    One notable inclusion is Medeama SC striker Jonathan Sowah, who is set to make his national team debut. Sowah, who joined Medeama during the second transfer window, made an impressive contribution with 12 goals that helped secure their League title victory.

    In other developments, Black Stars Captain Andre Ayew, who is currently without a club, retains his place in the squad, as does his brother, Jordan Ayew.

    The much-anticipated match between Ghana and the Central African Republic is scheduled to be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 7.

    Additionally, the Black Stars will host Liberia in an International Friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, with the game set to kick off at 3 pm Ghana time.

  • Baba Rahman eyes trophies and league titles after PAOK return

     Ghanaian international Abdul Baba Rahman has his sights set on winning both the Greek league and the Cup after joining the POAK giants.

    The 29-year-old returned to the team this summer after his contract with English Premier League team Chelsea expired, signing a three-year agreement.

    Baba Rahman rejoins PAOK, a team that offered him a chance during the second half of the 2020–21 campaign when he was on loan.

    During his six-month stint, he participated in 17 games and assisted the team in capturing the Greek Cup. The left-back contributed one assist and one goal during the era.

    The Ghanaian outlined his goals for his second visit in his first interview after joining the team again.

    “First of all, I missed the fans at the stadium [during my first spell due to Covid-19]. That is something I want to experience,” he said.

    “I want to win the league and the cup”

    “I won the cup, but now I want to win both the league and cup as well.”

    PAOK will be playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualification after finishing fourth during the 2022/23 Greek season.

  • Chelsea compensates Baba Rahman with $4 million after contract termination

    Chelsea compensates Baba Rahman with $4 million after contract termination

    UK-based Ghanaian sports journalist Rahman Osman, has stated that Chelsea Football Club has reportedly compensated Ghanaian defender Baba Abdul Rahman with $4 million after terminating his contract.

    The club has managed to pay off 80% of the remaining amount on Rahman’s contract.

    Osman also mentioned that Chelsea will receive a percentage if Rahman goes on to participate in any European competition for his next club.

    “Chelsea is not the same club that it was under Roman so they are trying to move on a lot of players.

    Baba’s contract was supposed to be terminated but it had to do with money. He was on a four million-a-year deal,” Rahman Osman said.

    He added, “We have been told that has been able to get 80% of the money. PAOK signed him for free. Chelsea say if he plays in the Conference League or European competition, they will get a fee.”

    According to Osman, Baba “will lose significantly because he was on a four million now he is going to get 1 million a year.”

    The left-back initially joined Chelsea in 2015 from German club Augsburg for a fee believed to have been around £14 million.

    Despite showing promise, Rahman had limited opportunities to showcase his talent at Stamford Bridge, featuring in just one season for the Blues.

    Baba Rahman went on several loan spells since joining the Premier League giants.

    The former Asante Kotoko player went on loan at Schalke 04, Reims, Mallorca and POAK. His last loan spell was in the English Championship with Reading.

    Although Rahman’s current contract with Chelsea is set to expire in the summer of 2024, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways this summer.

    Baba Abdul Rahman is set to join Greek football club POAK on a two-year deal.

  • Over 10,000 freshers stranded at Legon over accommodation issues

    Over 10,000 freshers stranded at Legon over accommodation issues

    Accommodation remains a challenge on the University of Ghana campus, as freshmen who have gained admission to further their
    education at the school have been left stranded.

    The freshmen, numbering over 10,000, have not been able to secure an abode two weeks after school resumed; a situation that has left both students and parents frustrated.

    According to some affected students and parents, they were not able to secure any spaces at the school’s halls since the process outlined by school authorities did
    not work out.

    Students are required to register for slots at the university’s respective hostel facilities (halls) through the portal system, however, the affected persons lamented over
    its failure, citing this as the major hindrance to their not being able to secure spaces.

    Consequently, there were scores of students with their luggage lined up at the various halls, such as the Commonwealth and Akuafo halls.

    It appears this has been a challenge that has existed for many years, as students witness this trend every year. In 2019, about 9,000 students suffered a similar fate as they were not able to secure spaces in the halls.

    Also, in 2022, only a little over 3,000 students who gained admission were able to secure housing.

    Private hostels exist as alternatives, but this is not the preferred option since these facilities are usually more expensive than the school’s accommodation facilities.

    Expressing his frustration, one student, Baba Rahman gained admission to study Human Resources, noted that although he completed the process on
    the portal, he still did not get admission into a hall.

    “Coming from as far as Sefwi Wiawso, if I do not get a room by the close of the week, I will have no choice but to stop the school and apply next year because I cannot afford a hostel,” he lamented.

    A parent, Mary Baidoo, explained that with her ward unable to access the portal to register for a room, they had been going back and forth with their belongings for the past week with the hope of getting a bed space, but to no avail.

    “Looking at the way things are going, I need to painfully dip my hand into my pocket and find a private hostel, which currently costs not less than Gh¢7,000 in this current economy,” she said.


    She called on the management of the university to step up in working on the online portal for registration to ensure a smooth
    allocation of rooms for new students.

    “We are being told there is an injunction on the registration process in this hall, so we are waiting to hear from the school authorities. If not, I will have to come from my home at Kasoa for lectures every day,” a Business Administration fresher, Michael Mensah, told the Daily Graphic at the Commonwealth Hall.

  • Baba Rahman makes first league start of 2023 in Reading draw with QPR

    Baba Rahman makes first league start of 2023 in Reading draw with QPR

    Baba Rahman made his first English Championship start of 2023 in Reading FC’s pulsating draw with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

    Reading’s first league game of the new year saw him come off the bench, but he started against QPR after impressing as a starter against Watford in the FA Cup last week.

    The left-back played admirably, and he will be disappointed that Reading did not win despite a two-goal lead. After a strong comeback by the away team, the game ended two-all.

    Reading led when Jeff Hendrick drilled a low skidding shot from 25 yards in off the left-hand post.

    And when QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng could only palm Andy Yiadom’s fierce strike into the air, Republic of Ireland midfielder Hendrick tapped in his second moments before the break.

    However, Roberts smashed in from an acute angle and then headed in a late equaliser from close range to complete the comeback.

    Rahman struggled in the opening minutes but improved as the game progressed, and QPR responded by preferring to attack Reading’s right flank.

    After QPR equalised, the 28-year-old assisted Tom Ince in driving Reading out of their own half. He did exceptionally well late in the race to hold his ground, ride a few shoulder barges, and earn Reading two corners in quick succession.

  • Baba Rahman plays defense as Reading defeats Swansea City

    Baba Rahman, a left back from Ghana, played for Reading in their 2-1 English Championship victory over Swansea City.

    In the 65th minute, Rahman came off the bench to replace Yakou Meite and helped his team tie the Championship play-off spots in points.

    Andy Carroll put the Royals ahead in a first half in which they also missed a penalty as Yakou Meite blasted way over.

    The Swans played themselves into trouble after the break, with goalkeeper Steven Benda’s misplaced pass falling to Tom Ince, whose deflected shot doubled Reading’s lead.

    Substitute Liam Cullen scored on the rebound to raise hopes of yet another Swansea comeback but the visitors’ late attempts to salvage a point were in vain.

    The win lifts Reading to eighth in the table, level on points with fifth-placed Norwich City and short of the top six on goal difference alone.

    Rahman represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, featuring in all the games as Black Stars exited the group stage after finishing bottom of their group.

    He has made 13 league appearances for Reading this season.

  • Baba Rahman begins training with Reading after World Cup exit

    A left defender for the Black Stars, Baba Rahman has reunited with his Reading colleagues to begin pre-season training for the resumption of the English championship.

    Following his nation’s elimination from the World Cup in Qatar, the Ghanaian international traveled back to England.

    Rahman, who is on loan at Reading from Chelsea, featured in all three matches at the tournament but Ghana failed to progress beyond the group stage.

     

    “It was a great experience and I really loved it. It was really great,” said the defender following his return to Bearwood Park.

    The 28-year-old took part in training on Thursday as manager Paul Ince prepares his team ahead of their game against Coventry on Saturday.

    Rahman has been an important player for the Royals since joining the club last season, where he helped them beat the drop.

    This season, Reading led by Ghanaian compatriot Andy Yiadom will be hoping to make a return to the English Premier League.

  • Analysis: Five reasons behind Ghana’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal at 2022 World Cup

    Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 thanks to a disputed penalty, a contested goal, and a well-taken goal. Ghana became the first African nation to score at the 2022 World Cup.

    Despite their efforts and strong performance, it is largely accepted that the Black Stars were their own worst enemy, with coach Otto Addo and Baba Rahman receiving the harshest criticism.

    With several of his rulings, the United States of America referee who oversaw the match did not exactly exalt himself.

    As we review the game, GhanaWeb’s Perez Erzoah Kwaw who is in Qatar covering the tournament highlights the five factors that culminated in the defeat.

    Below are the reasons

    Five back without wing backs?

    Otto Addo’s decision to start with five backs was not shocking but his choice of full-backs was. Baba Rahman at the left and Alidu Seidu at the right meant that the team struggled offensively. Alidu after a jittery start settled eventually but offered little or nothing offensively.

    He is a conservative fullback and wasn’t not able to play the wingback as a Tariq Lamptey or Dennis Odoi would have done.

    For Baba Rahman, his performance is rather contrasting. He provided the assist for the Osman Bukari goal and yet his display was also error-riddled which led to one of the goals for Portugal.

    The referee

    The outrage from the likes of Gary Lineker, and Darren Bent inter Alia sums up the performance of the referee. The penalty incident was just one of many incidents where he displayed gross bias in the game.

    Watching from pitch side, there were countless instances where Ghana coach Otto Addo had to charge at the fourth referee in protest of the center referee’s decision.

    Almost every challenge by a Ghanaian player saw a yellow whereas the Portuguese got away with almost every crime they committed.

    On more than five occasions, Partey after picking up a ball looked up front for movement of any of the forwards and fullbacks and there was none.

    On one occasion he frustratingly instructed Tariq Lamptey to move and occupy a space that had been created after the Portuguese defender moved inside.

    The modern game is all about movement and spaces and the Black Stars lacked the inspiration upfront to create or exploit those spaces very well.

    Dead the yellow card ‘excuse’, that substitution makes little or no tactical sense.

    Bar the three central defenders who held their own against a strong Portuguese forward, Kudus Mohammed was undoubtedly Ghana’s best player.

    He started poorly but grew into the game and was adept at fetching the ball from deep with gliding runs that threatened the Portuguese. He was at the center of anything good that happened to Ghana in the attack.

    It is not shocking that the team’s performance took a nadir after his strange substitution.

    There were periods where he operated as a striker and moments where he was a midfielder and dropped the deal.

    Yes he scored but the goal does not paper over the cracks in his play. He struggled and so was Ghana. He may be Ghana’s most capped player now and his experience must count for something but his place as a state must be based on merit and not nostalgia.

  • World Cup 2022: Baba Rahman should not be a starter at Black Stars – Dong Bortey

    Former Ghanaian midfielder, Bernard Dong Bortey has expressed his discontent with Baba Rahman’s starting position for the Black Stars.

    The defender from Chelsea on loan played the entire time as Ghana lost 3-2 to Portugal in the Group H World Cup opener on Thursday.

    With his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead, Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to ever score five goals at a World Cup.

    Andre Ayew of Ghana then tied the score, but Portugal won and topped Group H despite Osman Bukari’s late winner with to two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.

    In a post sighted by The Independent Ghana, the former Hearts of Oak star lauded the Black Stars team despite defeat but raised concerns about Baba Rahman’s starting role.

    “Great great performance but as I said at this stage concentration level should be 200% but no matter how Baba Rahman plays at training he should always be a sub not a starter. My personal opinion” he tweeted.

    The 2016 European Champions currently sit top of Group H with three points.

    Meanwhile, the defeat means Ghana are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.

    The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches against South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2, respectively.

  • World Cup 2022: I’m 100% ready to fight for Ghana – Confident Baba Rahman

    Ghana international, Baba Rahman has stressed that he is ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    The experienced full-back is one of the 26 players selected by Black Stars head coach Otto Addo as his final squad for this year’s mundial.

    With days to the start of the World Cup, Baba Rahmah has indicated that he has full confidence in his qualities.

    According to him, he is ready to fight for the Black Stars at the tournament.

    “I believe in myself and my qualities. I feel 100 per cent. The World Cup is meant for some of the best players. They show you can compete against the best,” Baba Rahman told Standard Sport in an interview.

    The full-back is expected to be a starter for Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    At the tournament, Ghana has been drawn into Group H and will face off with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.

    The Black Stars will play their Portuguese counterpart on Thursday, November 24, in the first Group H match.

  • World Cup 2022: Tariq Lamptey handed first Black Stars start in Switzerland friendly

    Ghana head coach, Otto Addo has provided Tariq Lamptey his first Ghana start in the friendly match against Switzerland.

    The Black Stars are facing off with their Swiss counterpart in an international friendly match on Thursday morning in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    Ahead of kick-off at 10:00am, Ghana ahead coach Otto Addo has named his starting eleven for the clash.

    The team has goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the post and will be protected by a defense that include Tariq Lamptey, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, and Salisu Mohammed.

    Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is in the starting eleven alongside Belgium-based Elisha Owusu.

    Andre Ayew is also starting with his brother Jordan Ayew while Hearts of Oak star Daniel Afriyie Barnieh has been handed his maiden start for the Black Stars.

    Ghana is using this morning’s friendly to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which starts on Sunday, November 20.

    The Black Stars are hoping to put up a good performance to inspire confidence ahead of the start of the mundial.

    Checkout the Black Stars’ starting eleven for the Switzerland friendly below:

    Source: Football Ghana

  • We have more work to do but we will get there – Baba Rahman

    Ghana’s left-back Baba Rahman is confident the Black Stars can improve on their performance before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar commences.

    The Black Stars were a pale shadow of themselves as they lost be 3-0 to Brazil and earned a 1-0 win over Nicaragua.

    Baba Rahman who played in the game against Brazil is positive that the Black Stars can work harder to get themselves in shape before the World Cup starts.

    “Good exercise with the national team. More work to do but we will get there. Thanks for all the support and love. God bless our homeland and make us great and strong,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Baba Rahman has made 46 appearances for Ghana but he is likely to miss Ghana’s World Cup as a result of his recent deep in performance.

    JNA We have more work to do, but we will get there – Baba Rahman

    Ghana’s left-back Baba Rahman is confident the Black Stars can improve on their performance before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar commences.

    The Black Stars were a pale shadow of themselves as they lost 3-0 to Brazil and earned a 1-0 win over Nicaragua.

    Baba Rahman, who played in the game against Brazil, is positive that the Black Stars can work harder to get themselves in shape before the World Cup starts.

    “Good exercise with the national team. More work to do but we will get there. Thanks for all the support and love. God bless our homeland and make us great and strong,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Baba Rahman has made 46 appearances for Ghana, but he is likely to miss Ghana’s World Cup due to his recent dip in performance.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • We have more work to do but we will get there – Baba Rahman

    Baba Rahman, a left defender for Ghana, believes the Black Stars can enhance their performance before the start of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    The Black Stars were a pale imitation of themselves as they defeated Nicaragua 1-0 while falling to Brazil by a score of 3-0.

    The Black Stars can work harder to get in shape before the World Cup starts, according to Baba Rahman, a player in the game against Brazil.

    God bless our motherland and make us great and strong, he tweeted. “Good exercise with the national team. More work to do but we will get there. Thanks for all the support and love.”

    Baba Rahman has made 46 appearances for Ghana but he is likely to miss Ghana’s World Cup as a result of his recent deep in performance.

    JNA We have more work to do, but we will get there – Baba Rahman

    Ghana’s left-back Baba Rahman is confident the Black Stars can improve on their performance before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar commences.

    The Black Stars were a pale shadow of themselves as they lost 3-0 to Brazil and earned a 1-0 win over Nicaragua.

    Baba Rahman, who played in the game against Brazil, is positive that the Black Stars can work harder to get themselves in shape before the World Cup starts.

    “Good exercise with the national team. More work to do but we will get there. Thanks for all the support and love. God bless our homeland and make us great and strong,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Baba Rahman has made 46 appearances for Ghana, but he is likely to miss Ghana’s World Cup due to his recent dip in performance.

  • Reading boss explains why Baba Rahman is fans favourite

    Head of Football Operations for Reading, Mark Bowen has explained why Ghana defender Baba Rahman has become fans favourite after returning to the club this summer.

    The enterprising left-back is back for a second loan spell until the end of the 2022/23 season from Chelsea.

    “We are delighted to announce that Baba Rahman has sealed a return to Reading Football Club for a second season-long loan spell in blue and white hoops,” Reading announced.

    Reacting to the acquisition of the defender, Mark Bowen disclosed he has become fans favourite due to his energetic, wholehearted and powerful performances on the pitch during his spell last season.

    “Through his energetic, wholehearted and powerful performances on the pitch and his infectious character off it, Baba became something of a fans favourite here at Reading last season”

    “Since the day his loan spell ended in the summer, we have been hoping to bring him back and I am very pleased we have been able to secure his services for the 2022-23 campaign,” he said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Reading fan welcomes new signing Baba Rahman with a beautiful poem

    An enthusiastic Reading supporter who is thrilled about Baba Rahman’s comeback to the Championship team has created a lovely poem to honor the Ghanaian defender’s second coming.

    The well-written poem was shared by the fan on Twitter, hours after it was announced that Rahman had secured a return to the club.

    Reading outbid a number of clubs, including Championship rivals West Brom, to sign the committed left-back on a season-long loan.

    The Chelsea player has returned to Reading on loan for the second consecutive season after spending last season there.

     

    “We are delighted to announce that Baba Rahman has sealed a return to Reading Football Club for a second season-long loan spell in blue and white hoops,” Reading announced.

    Almost exactly a year ago, Baba first arrived at Bearwood Park ahead of an impressive campaign spent as a Royal; he registered a total of 29 starts at left-back during the club’s 150th-anniversary campaign and made a crucial contribution in our fight for Championship survival last season.

    During that campaign, he also represented his country to feature alongside Royals skipper Andy Yiadom in the Africa Cup of Nations and he will be hoping for another successful season as a Reading player ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup Finals in Qatar.

    Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “Through his energetic, wholehearted and powerful performances on the pitch and his infectious character off it, Baba became something of a fans favourite here at Reading last season. Since the day his loan spell ended in the summer, we have been hoping to bring him back and I am very pleased we have been able to secure his services for the 2022-23 campaign.”

     

     

  • Baba Rahman from Ghana joins Reading on loan

    The Ghana international Baba Rahman has joined Reading on loan for the rest of the season.

    Chelsea defender signed his contract on Tuesday afternoon, marking his return to the English Championship after spending last season on loan there.

    The transfer is done, with an official announcement expected before the summer transfer window shuts on Wednesday.

    Ghanasoccernet has reported a move for Rahman to Reading throughout the transfer window, but Championship rivals West Brom were also interested.

    West Brom were eager to sign Rahman and were at one point neck and neck with Reading for his signature. Clubs in France, Germany, and Spain also expressed interest.

    However, Rahman believes that a move to Reading is more appropriate, given that he enjoyed his first spell.


     

    The left-back performed admirably for them last season, becoming a fan favourite.

    Rahman started 29 games for Reading last season, recording 38 interceptions, 51 tackles, and 90 crosses.

    Chelsea have approved Rahman’s move to Reading.

    The Blues signed Rahman for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be an initial £14 million, with a potential fee of nearly £22 million.

    Rahman’s contract with Chelsea was extended until 2024 in June of last year.

    The 28-year-old will be given regular playing time at Reading, ensuring that he is in peak condition for Ghana’s 2022 World Cup campaign.

    Rahman is Ghana’s first choice for the left-back position ahead of the global showpiece in Qatar.

  • Baba Rahman to stay at Chelsea after move to Middlesbrough hit snag on Championship transfer deadline day

    Ghana defender Baba Rahman will remain at Chelsea for the rest of the season after failing to secure transfer on Championship deadline day.

    The transfer window for the English Championship ended on Friday at 11 GMT-1.

    Chelsea were hoping to send the Ghana left-back on another loan deal after Middlesbrough and Watford expressed interest in having him for the season.

    Following discussions between Chelsea and the two clubs, Boro appeared to be serious in snapping up the defender on transfer deadline day.

    However, a last-minute hitch meant that the move could not go through.

    He is expected to get some minutes in the Chelsea development squad to stay fit and target a move in the winter.

    The 26-year-old left back, who joined the Blues from Augsburg in the summer of 2015, has made 15 Premier League appearances since his move to England

    Rahman has since enjoyed loan spells at Schalke 04, Reims and Real Mallorca.

    His career has been hampered in recent years by a cruciate ligament rupture, which kept him out of action for more than seven months in 2017, and a knee injury, which sidelined him for virtually the whole of last season.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Baba Rahman set for Chelsea departure this summer

    Ghana defender Baba Abdul Rahman could leave Chelsea this summer following reinforcements at the London club.

    The player who is currently on loan at Spanish side Real Mallorca is deemed surplus to requirement with Emerson Palmieri and Marcus Alonso the preferred choices for Frank Lampard.

    Chelsea are also in the market for another left back, with Leicester City’s Ben Chiwell the identified target.

    Reports in the UK suggests Chiwell’s arrival will mean Baba Rahman and Marcus Alonso will be sold to make way for other transfer target.

    Marcus Alonso has been linked with a move to Italy with interests from Inter Milan and AS Roma.

    Meanwhile, Rahman has struggled with injuries at Mallorca making his permanent stay a difficult decision for the club. The 25-year old has made only three appearances for Mallorca this season.

    The ex-Dreams FC player joined Chelsea in 2015 from Bundesliga side Augsburg, but has since been on five loan spells.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet