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Soccer News of Thursday, 15 September 2016

Source: goal.com

Baffour happy to win Ivorian league title

Stephen Asare Baffour Stephen Asare Baffour

Ghanaian striker Stephen Asare Baffour is elated to have won his first career silverware after AS Tanda retained the Ivorian Ligue 1 title this season.

The 24-year-old joined the Abengourou-based club in January, on a two-year deal from Berekum Chelsea, alongside winger Latif Salifu and scored 11 goals in 18 league appearances.

"It was a tough decision earlier on but it has turned out to be the best. Moving from Ghana to Cote d'Ivoire will seem very normal to many people because these two countries share boarder but a lot of consultations took place," Baffour told Goal.

"After my successful debut game in which I scored the winner, I was shown red card in my next game and felt I have let my club down. But the coaches and teammate Salifu encouraged me to return in a grand style. I ended up winning the player of the month award.

"At the end of the season, we retained the title but it was my first time of winning a league trophy. So you can imagine how happy I was. It was like watching a movie so I called my parents and told them about my success after several failed attempts in Ghana," he said.

"They were also happy with the news because initially, my father didn't want me to play football since I'm his only son. He wanted to see me in an office but I think I've equally made him happy," he added.

Baffour also hinted his desire to move to Europe but believes his club has the final say.

"It is every player's target to play in Europe so after this achievement, if a good offer arrives, I will leave. I can't join any club without the approval of Tanda so I'm patiently waiting."

Baffour was ranked the fifth best striker in the Ghana Premier League last season, after scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists.