Before delving into the Black Stars’ thrilling comeback victory against the Central African Republic and its associated issues, there’s a pressing matter that deserves attention from the National Sports Authority (NSA). The Baba Yara Sports Stadium media center (area) is not fit for purpose. It makes no sense for journalists from both home and abroad to commit resources to cover a game only to be hindered by poor network connection. For example, in the Ghana – Nigeria World Cup playoff for Qatar 2022, no media house, local or international, could transmit signals for broadcast. You couldn’t even upload or download a 20KB picture; that’s terrible.
The NSA must collaborate with the telecom companies to improve this situation. Allowing spectators into the media center is something for another day.
Now, back to the game. It’s refreshing to know that Ghana will be part of the 24 countries competing at next year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast.
The qualification was not a walk in the park. Ghana needed to win or draw against the Central African Republic, which happened to be the last group game for qualification. A defeat could only mean one thing: missing out on AFCON for the first time since 2004. If any Ghanaian had doubts about Ghana’s qualification, confidence turned to fear, and conviction turned to doubt just 25 minutes into the game when Mafouta rounded up Ghana goalkeeper Ati Zigi to pass the ball into an empty net.
Chris Hughton, the former Brighton gaffer came into the Black Stars job with a huge reputation. Many people, including myself, believed he was the right man for the job. However, after four games in charge of the Black Stars, he’s won two home games and drawn two away games. The performance of the Stars have been uninspiring, spiritless, and often spineless. The confidence Ghanaians had in him keeps waning game after game. He needs a big performance to win back the love and support, not only from Ghanaians but also to keep the hyenas far away from him. If there was any positive, it would be the introduction of Semeyor and Nuamah. The two collaborated perfectly to give the Black Stars the second goal. Semeyor robbed Jean Michael before setting up Nuamah to tap his home debut goal and secure a win for Ghana.
Now, let’s explore the contrasting reactions from the stands:
The Boos:
This is not the first time a Black Stars player or the team has been booed, nor will it be the last. Jordan Ayew has had his fair share of that. Baba Rahman has become a public enemy for strange reasons. It has not always been about his performance, but he has been targeted because of the FA President, Kurt Okraku. It is alleged and perceived that Baba Rahman is favored because of his relationship with the FA president, Kurt Okraku. It is unusual for a footballer who once played for Kotoko to attract this level of hatred in Kumasi.
Commentaries from persons close to the GFA President justifying why Baba was selected ahead of Gideon Mensah in our last World Cup game against Uruguay have not helped Baba in any way. Of course, if you also have a player as good as your substitute who never puts a foot wrong when he comes on, the boos would only get louder.
The Cheers:
Pitch invasion has become a thing in Ghana, especially concerning the Black Stars, and Thursday was no exception. The run onto the pitch and the chase by the police lightened up the mood in the stadium.
Star boy Kudus has become the poster boy of the team, and every touch, turn, and dribble is met with a loud cheer. The noise that met the beautiful free kick to level the score and bail Ghana out of jail could bring down the walls of Jericho. Ever since he scored on his debut against South Africa in Cape Coast, he has not looked back. He carried the team on his shoulders at the World Cup, scoring two goals. Truly, a new star is born. Alidu Seidu has also become a fan favorite. The fans love him for his aggression, and he puts in the tackles that get the fans excited.
As for the team’s performance, they are far from a finished product, and as Chris Hughton indicated, he has five more games from now until the AFCON to get the team ready to deliver that elusive 5th AFCON title.
Peace out ✌️