Sports
Another heartbreak for Ghanaians as Black Stars exit AFCON
Just when Ghanaian supporters thought there will be at last a win for the Black Stars, the night turned into sorrow when they gave away a 2-0 lead in additional time to draw two all in their third Group B game at the ongoing African Cup of Nations(AFCON).
The result meant that the Black Stars exited the competition at the group stages for the third consecutive time.
The team failed to win a match at the competition, after suffering humiliation from Cape Verde in the first group game, drawing with Egypt in a game littered with errors before giving away a two goal lead to share the spoils with Mozambique in additional time.
The team turned what was supposed to be a comfortable victory to a disappointing end as devastated fans took a long,painful and lonely walk to their destinations in Abidjan,to be on the first available flight or bus back home the next day.
The Black Stars took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy a brilliantly taken penalty from Jordan Ayew after Joseph Paintsil was fouled by his marker in the box.
Jordan stepped up again to convert Ghana’s second penalty of the game in the 68th minute after a Mozambique defender practically caught a Kudus Mohammed’s goal-bound strike.
The game appeared settled for the Black Stars as they remained composed until the 90th minute when Andre Ayew also gave away a penalty after he handled the ball in the box.
Geny Catamo made no mistakes as he converted to reduce the deficit.
The Mozambicans mounted pressure on the Black Stars after the goal, in search of the equaliser which paid off in additional time after indecisive goalkeeper Richard Ofori touched a goal kick-bound ball to give away a corner to Mozambique.
Reinildo Mandava then rose highest to head home a well-taken corner kick to give his side the equaliser,much to the frustration of the Ghanaian players and supporters.
The Black Stars attempted to find another goal but it appeared too late as they settled for a point to exit the tournament.
It was a very sad situation especially for the many Ghanaian fans who were looking forward to a win to hit the streets of Abidjan in jubilation.
That included a team of over 160 supporters sponsored by MTN to Abidjan to support the national team.
The disappointed fans would depart Abidjan Tuesday morning to Accra, hoping that there would be victories for Ghana in subsequent competitions.
From Michael D. Abayateye,Abidjan
The Black Maidens have departed Accra for Dakar, Senegal, ahead of their crucial final qualifying round first-leg clash for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
A 24-player squad, accompanied by the technical team and officials, left the Accra International Airport on Tuesday aboard ASKY Airlines, determinate to secure a positive result away from home.
The Black Maidens have enjoyed an impressive qualifying campaign and are now just two matches away from booking a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The team has intensified preparations in recent weeks, with the technical staff fine-tuning tactics and ensuring the players are in peak condition for the decisive encounter.
The team is expected to arrive in Dakar later in the day and victory over the two-legged tie will see the Black Maidens secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Forward Brandon Thomas-Asante said the squad’s ambition and ambition and hunger remain intact despite the 2-1 loss to Croatia, stressing the Black Stars are determined “to make a name for ourselves as a nation and to keep that legacy going” heading into the Round of 32.
Speaking after Saturday’s Group L finale at Lincoln Financial Field, the Coventry City player said Ghana’s World Cup mission goes beyond individual goals.
“Yes, I think coming into the World Cup, there’s a lot of ambition, a lot of hopes and what we want to do as a collective on an individual basis,” he said. “And I think it all encompasses within each other that we want to be successful.”
Despite finishing third in the group with 4 points, Ghana progressed to face Colombia on July 4 in Kansas City. The player pointed to belief inside the camp.
“We’re glad that when we look around the dressing room, we see a lot of talent, a lot of ability and a lot of hunger to go and to make a name for ourselves as a nation and to keep that legacy going.”
The comments echo Carlos Queiroz’s message that “qualification is not a destination” and that the “real World Championship starts now.” Ghana reached the knockout stage after a win over Panama, a draw with England, and the narrow defeat to Croatia.
“We’re trying to do our best, to give our best and every game we are trying to make the nation proud,” Derrick Luckassen said earlier. “On to the next game, we have to keep on going.”
Ghana now prepare for Group K winners Colombia, who topped their group unbeaten with 7 points.
