Kurt Okraku Commends Bibiani Gold Stars Despite CAF Champions League Exit
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, has expressed disappointment over Bibiani Gold Stars’ early exit from the CAF Champions League, but believes the experience will serve as an important learning curve for the Ghanaian side.
Gold Stars were eliminated by Algerian giants JS Kabylie in the preliminary round of the competition, ending their maiden continental campaign earlier than expected.
Speaking exclusively to Kobby Stonne, the GFA President said that while the result was disappointing, it was understandable given the club’s lack of prior experience in Africa’s elite club competition.
“I’m disappointed Bibiani Goldstars could not qualify to the next stage of the CAF Champions League. However, it was their first experience. First experiences can either go good or bad, and you can’t really predict,” Okraku remarked.
He further compared Gold Stars’ debut outing to that of Dreams FC, who made an impressive run to the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals in their first continental appearance.
“We were lucky Dreams FC were able to go to the semis in their first attempt. Competing in Africa is not easy; you really need to invest, especially in the intangible assets,” he emphasized.
The GFA President maintained that the experience gained by Gold Stars will prove valuable going forward, expressing optimism that they will return stronger in future competitions.
“I think Gold Stars have learnt their lesson and they will do well next time,” he added.
