Impressive Ghanaian defender Baffo wins Euro U21 Championship with Sweden

By El Akyereko Frimpong
Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Ghanaian defender Joseph Baffo played an influential role for Sweden’s U21 side as they triumphed at the 2015 Euro U21 Championship after beating Portugal to win the ultimate in Czech Republic. 

The 22-year-old Ghana-born played the entire second-half plus extra-time as Sweden edged Portugal 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 stalemate regulatory time show at the Stadion Eden in Praha.

Baffo featured in all of Sweden’s games except the semi-final tie he missed with a shoulder injury.

Sweden coach Hakan Ericsson introduced the enterprising center-back before the resumption of the second department as he shored up the backline with a commanding defensive display.

Baffo was booked in the 110th minute for holding yet he remained strong and tactical in his game as the tie headed for shoot-out with Sweden winning the title.

The Accra-born has expressed his desire to switch his allegiance to Ghana but no official move has been made by the Ghana Football Association.

The 2015 Euro U21 title becomes Baffo’s fourth career title after he won the Swedish Allsvenskan title Swedish Cup, and Super Cup with Helsingborg IF between 2010 and 2011.