Baba Rahman Deserves Support, Not Scapegoating After Wales Draw

The reaction to Ghana's 1-1 draw with Wales has once again highlighted the intense scrutiny that comes with representing the Black Stars. At the center of the criticism is defender Abdul Baba Rahman, whose return to the national team after a prolonged absence was overshadowed by the backlash that followed the match.

For many observers, the treatment of Baba Rahman raises important questions about how Ghanaian football fans respond to mistakes and whether certain players are unfairly singled out when results do not go as expected.

A Return Despite Past Challenges
Baba Rahman previously stepped away from the Black Stars, citing the persistent criticism and abuse he received from sections of the Ghanaian public. The emotional burden of that scrutiny eventually led him to distance himself from national team duties, despite his willingness to serve his country.

His decision to return therefore reflected both courage and commitment. After reportedly being approached by successive coaches, including Chris Hughton and Otto Addo, it was the current coaching setup that finally convinced him to rejoin the squad.

His return demonstrated a willingness to put past experiences behind him for the sake of the national team. Yet, following the draw against Wales, he once again found himself at the center of criticism.

Football Is a Team Sport
While Baba Rahman may have been involved in the sequence that led to Wales' equalizer, football remains a collective game. Goals are rarely the result of a single mistake. Defensive organization requires the coordinated efforts of multiple players, and responsibility is usually shared across the back line and midfield.

To place the entire blame for the result on one player oversimplifies what happened on the pitch. Several defenders were involved in the build-up to the goal, and the failure to prevent the equalizer was a collective lapse rather than an individual one.

Constructive criticism is part of football, but scapegoating a single player does little to advance meaningful analysis of the team's performance.

A Proven Performer
Baba Rahman's credentials are difficult to ignore. The experienced left-back enjoyed a strong season with Greek club PAOK, making more than 40 appearances across domestic and European competitions. He played a key role as the club secured a top-three league finish and progressed to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

His performances at club level underline why multiple Ghana coaches sought his return to the national team. More importantly, they highlight the scarcity of experienced left-backs available to Ghana at the highest level.

Throughout his international career, Baba Rahman has contributed significantly whenever called upon. One of his memorable moments came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he provided an excellent assist in Ghana's match against Portugal, showcasing his attacking quality on football's biggest stage.

Learning From Other Examples
Every footballer makes mistakes. Even some of the world's most accomplished players have endured difficult periods. England defender Harry Maguire, for example, faced intense criticism for several seasons before rebuilding his confidence and re-establishing himself at both club and international level.

The lesson is simple: players often perform best when they receive support rather than relentless condemnation.

Looking Ahead
Following the match, Baba Rahman expressed his disappointment at not securing victory but remained optimistic about the future.

"Gutted we could not get the win last night, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. We will get there. This group will give everything for this precious shirt. God bless our homeland Ghana."

His message reflected the attitude Ghana needs as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Building a competitive national team requires patience, unity, and confidence in the players selected to represent the country.

The Black Stars are entering a new chapter under new leadership, and friendly matches are designed to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and build cohesion. While criticism will always be part of football, it should be balanced, fair, and grounded in objective analysis.

Baba Rahman's return to the national team should be viewed as a positive development, not an opportunity for renewed hostility. Ghana's players will inevitably make mistakes, but they will also need the support of the nation if they are to succeed.

The challenge for supporters is not whether to demand high standards—it is whether those standards can be upheld without unfairly turning individual players into scapegoats whenever results fall short.

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