A Ghanaian football fanatic has indicated that he is not clinging to the hopes of Ghana making any significant display in the ongoing 2023 AFCON tournament.
According to him, he now supports the senior national team because he is a Ghanaian and it is patriotic to do so.
His hopes for the Black Stars have dwindled due to their lack of impressive performances at subsequent tournaments.
“I started watching Cup of Nations from the year 2000. In 2000, Ghana and Nigeria hosted it and at quarter finals stage, we were knocked out. 2002, I think we were in Mali. We were knocked out. In 2004, we couldn’t qualify. 2006, we were in Egypt, we couldn’t even make it out of group stages.
In 2008, we were in Ghana. We were third. In 2010, Angloa, finals, we couldn’t take it. I think in 2012, we were knocked out by Zambia.
In 2013, we were in South Africa. We couldn’t do anything. In 2015, we went to the finals beaten by La Cote Divoire on penalty. In 2017, Equatorial Guinea, we couldn’t do anything. 2019, nothing.
2021, we wouldn’t make it out of the group stages, and we are here. So I am not expecting anything big from our team.. We can only pray and hope that the players will do well,” he said.
He further bemoans the absence of “big players” such as John Paintsil, John Mensah, Issah Ahmed, Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari, Laryea Kingston.”
He also criticised Mohammed Kudus for showing up with staff of West Ham. According to him, Kudus has decided to pick West Ham.
“Kudus Mohammed is our star player but he prefers to play for West Ham than Ghana. He came just three days ago and what pains me is that when he was coming with staff of West Ham. Really, for what reason? Look at him; he is on the bench. So our team, I’m supporting them because I’m a Ghanaian. We are not expecting anything. If we are able to make it, halleluyah.”
Nonetheless, he notes that he will jubilate should the team surprise him and advance to significant stages of the competition.