Sports
Not a disgraceful campaign
BRIGHT-EYED and bushy-tailed, they stormed Algeria under some contentious circumstances, with only a handful predicting something good could emerge from the potentially harrowing trip.
That was the impression emblazoned on the minds of thousands of Ghanaians – even including dyed-in-the-wool Kotoko faithful when the Asanteman club stormed Algeria for their return fixture against ES Setif.
Fact is that, Kotoko did not succeed in the northern African adventure by way of qualification into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup competition. It was always going to be a Himalayan undertaking. We all knew that after they slumped 1-2 in the opening leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, a week earlier.
But in spite of the grueling challenges they encountered with regard to the trip that saw them arrive in Algiers less than 24 hours to the game, Kotoko plundered into the evening full-of-beans – and bravely battled the Algerian league leaders to a nail-biting barren scoreline.
Reports suggested that the Ghanaians even blew a couple of swash-buckling opportunities which, if exploited, would have sent the cavilers running for cover.
Indeed, Kotoko may have been out; but they were not a busted flush! They were good exponents of the game and were not embarrassed.
Credit to the team for returning with heads held high, but more important, chieftains of the Asanteman contingent must sit up and see how best they can build from the Algerian debacle. Truth is, the performance of the club – even in the Accra defeat, was commendably stimulating.
They lost because they took their eyes off the ball after stealing the lead; very typical of Ghanaian teams.
What Kotoko need at the moment – just like Hearts of Oak, is a dose of unity, focus and sense of purpose dashing into the future.
Hearts recently lost the services of their Serbian coach Kosta Papic, who left the club in the lurch to join South African side Blackpool – citing managerial interference in his job.
Consequently, disgruntled supporters of the club flew into ‘tantrums’ and badgered on management as they demanded the dissolution of the Board among other proposed measures to put the Phobians back on track.
Matter-of-factly, Hearts have not clinched the Premier League diadem since the feat of 2008/09 season – but in their attempt to put things right, the supporters need to be very wary and not behave like a bull in a China shop.
Be that as it may, it is time for supporters of both Hearts and Kotoko to be careful not to blow their stack but put in positively far-reaching measures to help their club’s management teams to succeed.
That is the only way to break the back of the beast in the midst of the tempest!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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