Although Ghana’s first Group B encounter ended in a disheartening loss to Cape Verde, some Ghanaian supporters are hoping for a bounce-back performance against Egypt on Thursday at the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Last Sunday, Cape Verde upset Ghana by defeating the Black Stars 2-1. With three points, Cape Verde now leads the standings, while Ghana remains in last place.
After their exhilarating two-all draw in the other Group B meeting, Egypt and Mozambique are in second and third place, respectively, with a point apiece.
Some Ghanaian fans in Abidjan are unfazed by the loss and are hoping for a huge comeback against Egypt to guarantee their team’s qualification for the next round.
Even though the national team is notoriously slow to get going in competitions, they are still rooting for the Black Stars to beat the Pharaohs and take all three points.
A Ghanaian named Kwame Owusu recently told the media that his country will beat Egypt and advance to the next round, provided they play with the correct lineup on Thursday.
“We can get three points against Egypt and probably beat Mozambique to qualify. The team must just get things right this time,” he said.
The Chief Drummer for the Black Stars, Joseph Langabel who blamed the players for their abysmal performance in the first game, said there was always room for improvement.
“This kind of football by the Black Stars is clearly unacceptable. They play as if there is nothing at stake and would in the end, break our hearts,” he stated.
“They really need to sit up in the next game, otherwise we would not qualify to the next stage of the competition,” he stressed.
Afua Serwaa, who was hoping to hit the streets of Abidjan to celebrate Ghana’s victory said, “I am sure there would be victories in subsequent games. We must trust the boys to deliver.
“Dede Ayew and his team must win the next match to compensate Ghanaians for the heartbreak,” she added.
Back to work 🤝🏾 pic.twitter.com/AjJM9iPKzs
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 16, 2024
Meanwhile, fans celebrated Thursday’s game by storming a nearby restaurant, Maquis Du Val, to show their belief in the team.
They were over a hundred strong and performed Jama songs and other local music while dancing wildly, much to the delight of the restaurant’s employees and customers.
Gov’t gives Black Stars supporters in Ivory Coast $400 each after threatening to return home
It is said that some Ghanaian fans who were taken by the government to the Ivory Coast for the 2023 AFCON were given $400 as payment for threatening to go back home.
Citi Sports said that the payment was made after the fans said they would go home because the managing groups weren’t working together or helping them.
According to the story, the over 300 fans who had come to the Ivory Coast to cheer on the Black Stars felt like they had been ignored.
Black Stars supporters in Ivory Coast receive $400 each after threatening to return home #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/VfOi3bs3zW
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 16, 2024