Former Ghana International and Asante Kotoko player, Frimpong Manso has said that most Ghanaian players are unable to convert their penalty kicks due to fear and stigmatization from the fans if they miss them.
Ghana has suffered a series of failed penalty situations in tournament in recent times.
The latest coming in the Black Meteors game against Ivory Coast in the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations which was played on Tuesday 19 November, 2019.
Black Meteors failed to reach the final of the tournament after losing 4-2 on penalties to the Ivorians after the game had ended 2-2 in regulation time.
According to Frimpong Manso, the country has been battling this penalty problem due to fear in the players and the stigmatization from the fans.
“I think it is fear in our players that is causing our penalty woes over these years. Sometimes due to the stigmatization the players will face from the fans they are always scared and lack confidence when taking the penalties”, he told Ohene-Bampoh Brenya on Anopa Bosuo Sports on Happy FM.
“They feel if they fail to convert the penalties they will be criticized. So anytime it gets to the penalties the players are terribly scared and most of them avoid taking the kicks”.
He further said, “luck does not play a role in penalties and with continues practice the players will be able to convert the penalties well”.
The Black Stars, Black Stars B and Black Meteors have all failed to progress during penalty situations in tournament this year.
