Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor has defended Baba Rahman from critics, insisting the left-back deserves to be supported as he continues to work on rediscovering his form after a difficult period in his career.
Rahman has fallen out of favour with Ghanaians after his below-average performance for the Black Stars in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe last week.
The Chelsea-owned defender struggled in both games, although he ended the Sao Tome and Principe one with a goal – his first for the country.
But Akonnor believes the criticisms are harsh for the 26-year-old, who due to recurring injuries has missed two full seasons since 2017. Baba, in January, secured a loan move to Greek side PAOK and has made six appearances.
"This boy [Baba Rahman] has been through a lot through injuries and stuff. He got injured here with Black Stars when he was in the AFCON [Gabon 2017]. 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 gonna play regularly and things will change for him and I think we are a little bit too hard on him," Akonnor said after the victory over Sao Tome and Principe.
Rahman has been capped 31 times by Ghana and scored one goal.