Talented Black Stars gunning for glory again
THE Black Stars of Ghana will again be one of the favourites for the Africa Cup of Nations as they aim to clinch a fifth title after their last triumph 35 years ago. Ghana are one of the most successful teams in the continent’s football showpiece, having won it in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
But they have since fallen short, being beaten in the championship matches for the 2010 and 2015 editions and reaching the semifinals in 2012 and 2013.
In 1982, oil-rich Libya paid for cash-strapped Ghana to attend the tournament, with the Black Stars inspired by youngster Abedi Pele Ayew eventually edging past their hosts in the final.
It was therefore understandable when Ayew’s son Andre wept uncontrollably after Ghana fell on penalties in the championship match in Equatorial Guinea 33 years later.
The signs are again good that they will enjoy another fine run in Gabon after they qualified unbeaten in a group that included Mozambique, Rwanda and Mauritius.
But at the same time, there have been concerns over the team’s recent form after going without a win in their last four matches towards the end of last year, so much so that their qualification hopes for the 2018 World Cup hang in the balance.
Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah will be the biggest absentee for Ghana as he has stayed at his team to fight to regain his first-team shirt after he was sidelined by injury for almost a year.
But Torino midfielder Afriyie Acquah has backed his team to be champions again.
“I think we have a good team like we had in the last tournament. We played in the final in the previous edition but we lost to the Ivory Coast after a penalty shootout,” said Acquah. “We have a tougher mentality this time around. We are working hard to be in the final and win the cup.”
Just like it was in 2015 in Equatorial Guinea, 25-year-old Acquah said former Chelsea manager Avram Grant will again be a source of inspiration with his experience, personality — and his lucky match-day shirt.
“Grant has taken us as his children, always checking on us, how conditioned we are. Even if you aren’t part of the team, he motivates you to train harder and get much playing time in your team,” he remarked.
Ghana boast Christian Atsu, who has shone at promotion-chasing English Championship side Newcastle United this season, as well as West Ham star Andre Ayew, who is back from injury.
Skipper Asamoah Gyan has continued to provide the goals and leadership for a team who have brought in new blood with the inclusion of the likes of Bernard Tekpety from Schalke 04 and Austria-based midfielder Samuel Tetteh.
The Black Stars are drawn in a tough-looking Group D along with World Cup rivals Egypt and Uganda as well as Mali.
They open their campaign on Tuesday against Uganda in the city of Port-Gentil. — INSPIRATION: Andre Ayew