Baba Rahman Scores as PAOK Thrashes Shamrock Rovers in Europa League Playoff

Ghanaian defender Baba Abdul Rahman played a crucial role in PAOK’s commanding 4-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff round on Thursday.

PAOK, determined to advance in European competition after narrowly missing a spot in the UEFA Champions League, delivered an impressive performance. The match saw its first breakthrough just before halftime when an own goal by Shamrock Rovers’ Daniel Cleary in the 45+5 minute gave PAOK the lead.

The Greek side continued their dominance in the second half, with Taison doubling the advantage in the 48th minute. The situation worsened for Shamrock Rovers when Joshua Honohan received a red card just five minutes later, leaving the Irish team with ten men.

Giannis Konstantelias extended PAOK’s lead with a third goal in the 68th minute, assisted by Taison. Baba Rahman, who played the entire match, capped off the victory with a stunning left-footed goal in the 90+4 minute, striking the ball into the top corner.

The two teams will meet again for the second leg on Thursday, August 29, at Tallaght Stadium, where PAOK will look to secure their place in the group stages of the Europa League.