‘We have talents; I don’t understand why we don’t perform’ – Akufo-Addo on Black Stars
President Akufo-Addo says he doesn’t understand why Ghana has been underperforming in tournaments despite the talents the country is blessed with.
The Black Stars have failed to advance beyond the first round in the last two major competitions they participated in, exiting at the group stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022 and the 2022 World Cup in December of the same year.
That run follows a round of 16 exit at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after a penalty shootout defeat to Tunisia.
Speaking during a meeting with the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association on Wednesday, Akufo-Addo urged the association to give the team the best preparation ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations set to start in 23 days in Ivory Coast.
“As an avid football fan, I am very much aware of the challenges that confront us, as results have not been good in recent games. But you can count on me for the necessary support,” the President said.
“We have some very good talents scattered across the globe, so I don’t understand why we shouldn’t perform in tournaments.”
The President also reminded the GFA President and his subsidiaries what football means to Ghanaians.
“Ghanaians are obsessed with football, and you have the mandate of ensuring that our game is on the right path. We have the Africa Cup of Nations in a few days, and it is our responsibility to give the technical team and the playing body the needed support to succeed in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire.
“It’s been 41 years since Ghana won the Africa Cup of Nations. If my memory serves me right, we have played in a couple of finals in recent times and lost on penalties in 2015. Expectations are very high, so let’s do our best to make this tournament a success.”
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