The 32nd edition of the African
Cup of Nations started on Friday with host Egypt opening the tournament with a
narrow 1-0 win over Zimbabwe.
The tournament has since witnessed some interesting
encounters with teams already making their intentions clear.
With Uganda stunning DR Congo to win 2-0
and sit on top of Group A, and Nigeria grinding a 1-0 win over Burundi by the
skin of their teeth, it would not be out of place to describe this AFCON as the
‘Upset Tournament.’
For that reason, Ghanaians are waiting with
bated breath to see the Black Stars in action tomorrow, though the enthusiasm
is seemingly low.
To win the year’s AFCON and break the
37-year trophy drought would be the sole aim of the Black Stars and Ghanaians
alike.
This is more so because majority of the
public have had a good share of the Stars’
disappointments in the past . There is definitely a lot at stake for the
national team led by Andre Dede Ayew.
When the Times Sports hit the
streets of the capital to seek the public’s opinion on Ghana’s chances of
lifting the trophy in Egypt, most people were somewhat optimistic. Below are
excerpts of the opinions sampled.
Felicia Efua Mfomah (Civil servant):
I am expecting Ghanaians to support the
Black Stars despite disappointments in the past. No matter the level of opposition, I believe
they will definitely win this time. I think our team has some of the best
players and hope any player in the team can score and make a difference.
Bismark Asamoah Boateng (Football
administrator)
It would be difficult for the Black Stars
to win the trophy considering the quality of other teams.
Actually, comparing top teams such as Senegal and Egypt
to Ghana, it will be quite difficult to win. Players from these teams have
successes from teams they play for in Europe. I think the farthest they can go
is the semi-final, but I will be happy if we win anyway.
I also think making Andre Ayew the captain was
a bad idea. Asamoah Gyan should have been maintained as the captain until the
end of this tournament at least to make the team more united.
Fredrick Oppong (Driver)
I am very excited about the AFCON because I know Ghana will certainly win this
year. I like the squad for this year’s tournament. For Asamoah Gyan, it may
hurt him that the captaincy has been taken from him but he will get over it and
deliver.
Kofi Gyabi (Football enthusiast)
Ghana is my country and no matter how
disappointed we may feel because we have not won trophies for decades,I will
always support Ghana. I also believe the trophy belongs to us this year.I’m
also happy there is much unity in the team.
Jessica Agyaponmaa Agyapong (National
Service person)
I really want the Black Stars to win because I believe in them. If others are able to win, why not Black Stars this time? I’m not sure about Asamoah Gyan’s current performance.I pray that André Ayew will be able to inspire the team to give us a great show and bring the trophy home.
BY CHARLOTTE NETTEY
Credit: Source link
