Africa-Press – Ghana. Outspoken Ghanaian football administrator Alhaji Karim Grusah has jumped to the defence of Philemon Baffour amid criticism over the right-back’s inclusion in the Black Stars squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Baffour’s name appeared in the 30-man provisional squad named by Milovan Rajevac on Tuesday. The Dreams FC defender since helping Ghana win the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in March this year has featured in every Black Stars call-up but not played a single match.
Even when he is the only right-back available in the team, he is not trusted to play. Many believe Baffour is part of the Black Stars because of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku who has a great relationship with Dreams FC.
Okraku before becoming the country’s football head was the club’s Executive Director.
However, a controversial Grusah disagrees. According to him, Baffour’s call-up is on merit because the youngster is on top of his game while applauding Rajevac for not paying heed to naysayers.
“He is the coach and knows the kind of players that can help him win the trophy, though I suggested Frank Acheampong to the technical team because he’s currently doing well in China but the coach feels he’s not needed now, so I’m only hoping all goes well so we win the Afcon this time.
“For Philemon Baffour, I have watched him severally, he’s a great player, and for Milo, nobody can influence him with selections, so I’m pretty sure he earned the call up based on merit and not because of the affiliation of Dreams FC to Kurt. For those complaining about him not getting selection during matchdays, is he the only player who sits on the bench? There are many players in similar situations, he will get his opportunity one day.
“For Kotoko supporters who are furious with the call-up, they have no basis, they are not the only team performing well in the league, or do they want Milo to call their two in-form Cameroonian strikers?. He ended.
Baffour will hope to make the final squad which will be submitted to CAF on December 31.
Black Stars will begin camping on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, in Qatar city for a 17-day training camp in preparation.
They will play three friendly matches while in Qatar. The Ghana Football Association has already concluded talks with Algeria while engagements are ongoing for two additional matches.
Black Stars will depart Doha for Yaoundé on Friday, January 7, three days before their opening match against Morocco.
After Morocco, Rajevac’s side will take on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon and then wrap up their group stage campaign against debutants Comoros.
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