Sports
Dauda, apologise for your shameful howler! Don’t blame Ghanaians
When you hear the distressing statement: “Wonders will never end,” the speaker may have been racked by an uncomfortable stunning revelation.
Perhaps, in the same vein, one will be compared to borrow that disquieting phrase in response to a statement by former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda that sought to blame Ghanaians for the Black Stars’ shambolic performance at the Brazil 2014 World Cup tournament.
He told Atinka TV that Ghanaians had to share in the blame for the let-down. How?
Hear him:”If you ask me that question, the best answer is that everyone – including Ghanaians must be blamed. Like I said, we all caused it because nothing happened among us (Players],”he said, proceeding to deny any fracas in the team’s camp.
“I didn’t see any fight among players, maybe it happened and I didn’t see. We never said they should pay us before honouring the final group match against Portugal,” he told Atinka TV last week.
Blue blistering barnacles! How on earth would you attribute the Stars’ not-up-to-scratch output to the fans – some of whom had fasted for the team to drive beyond the quarter final berth of South Africa 2010 – to make it to the last four.
Question is, what role did Ghanaians play in the Stars’ 1-2 loss to USA in the team’s opening game? In a post-match interview after the loss, did Coach Kwasi Appiah not say he rested his ‘killer players’ strategically because he wanted his opponents to run out of steam before introducing them? Did Ghanaians motivate that ham-fisted inept decision?
Now, after holding eventual winners Germany to that intriguingly pulsating 2-2 draw in the second group game, Ghana needed to defeat Portugal to qualify to the next round. But what happened? Dauda incredibly gifted Portugal’s poster-boy Cristiano Ronaldo a cheap goal – a howler that culminated in the Stars’ 2-1 loss – ultimately eliminating them from a tournament experts had tipped them to go far.
Indeed, none of Ghana’s players in the Brazil 2014 tournament have the moral justification to criticise anybody because they let down the nation fatally when so much was expected of them.
They demanded a $100,000 appearance fee; held the nation to ransom – and broke the nation’s heart even though they were handed the monies they requested before the crucial Portugal game.
That key players: Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were fired from camp ahead of the final game was an indication of the fact that all was not well.
What, perhaps, Ghanaians want from Dauda is to render a grave apology for that fatal howler and not to apportion unnecessary blame on the clean-handed.
Good such characters are no more part of the present national team. They have seen their best, and we can only look forward!
Accra Hearts of Oak has lodged a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service over an incident involving police officers and the club’s supporters’ leader during Sunday’s match against Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.
According to the club’s management, some uniformed officers allegedly manhandled the chairman of the National Chapters Committee (NCC), Yussif Abdullai, and the club’s Safety and Security Officer, Abdul Baaki Musah, while they were performing their official duties.
The club described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that it was caught on camera and had caused distress among supporters and stakeholders.
Hearts said such conduct undermines the spirit of safety and mutual respect that should guide Ghana’s football environment.
In a statement signed by management, the club called for a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct to ensure accountability and protect the safety of all football fans.
Hearts of Oak urged supporters to remain calm while the Police conduct their investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Spectator
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Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder Mohammed Hussein has issued a public apology following an incident after the team’s recent match against rivals Asante Kotoko.
In a personal statement, Hussein expressed regret for his actions after the final whistle, acknowledging that his behaviour fell short of the respect expected by his club, teammates, fans, and the wider football community.
“I sincerely apologise to the Ghana Football Association, the referee, my teammates, our cherished supporters, and the wider football community. What happened after the final whistle was unacceptable, and I take full responsibility for my behaviour,” he said.
Hussein explained that he became frustrated during the game, feeling he was repeatedly fouled without adequate protection from the referees.
“In that moment of emotion, I allowed frustration to cloud my judgment. Instead of showing restraint and respect, I reacted wrongly and I regret it deeply,” he added.
He offered a direct apology to the match referee, acknowledging the challenges referees face in ensuring fairness.
“To the referee involved, I am truly sorry for confronting you in the manner that I did. I respect the difficult role referees play and humbly ask for your forgiveness,” he said.
Hussein pledged to learn from the incident, promising to remain calm under pressure and uphold the dignity of both his club and Ghanaian football.
“I will work harder to remain calm under pressure, to honour the phobia badge I love and wear, and to uphold the dignity of our beautiful game,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
