The Black Stars' recent failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sparked heated criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, the team’s manager, Ameenu Shardow, has come to the defense of the players, attributing the backlash to heightened emotions rather than a fair assessment of their performances.
In an interview with *Happy FM*, Shardow argued that despite the disappointing results, the team showed commendable performance on the field. “It’s only the results which are yet to come,” he explained. “If you look at the performances of the team in most of the games, we performed better than the results that we got. If we are going to be honest and factual, our first game against Angola—did anything suggest to you that we deserved to lose the game?”
Shardow urged critics to analyze the matches objectively, asserting that Ghana's performances should have secured a spot at the top of Group F. Unfortunately, the team ended at the bottom with three points after six matches, marking Ghana’s first absence from AFCON in 21 years. Angola topped the group with 14 points, followed by Sudan and Niger with 8 and 7 points, respectively.
A Tough Pill to Swallow
While acknowledging fans’ frustrations, Shardow emphasized that emotions should not cloud the analysis of the team's efforts. He pointed out that the team’s play in the qualifiers showcased skill and determination, even if the results failed to reflect it. “When you pipe down the emotions and go deeper into the details, you’ll see that we performed well,” he noted.
The criticism stems from Ghana’s winless run in the qualifiers, with three draws and three losses, including a heartbreaking last-minute penalty miss by star player Mohammed Kudus against Niger. Fans have expressed dismay over what they perceive as a lackluster campaign, but Shardow maintains that the foundation for success remains intact.
Charting the Path Forward
The poor results have prompted calls for introspection within the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Many fans have demanded accountability from team management and the coaching staff. In response, the GFA’s Executive Council has scheduled a meeting to address the team’s performance and chart a path forward.
Shardow, however, remains optimistic. He believes the Black Stars’ talent pool and commitment to improvement will guide them through this challenging phase. “If the performance is anything to go by, Ghana was supposed to top the group unless you want to be blind to the fact,” he insisted.
Despite the setback, Shardow urged Ghanaians to rally behind the team as they set their sights on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The road ahead is undoubtedly steep, but the Black Stars’ manager is confident that better days lie ahead for the team and its fans.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0