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!
Sports
PHOTOS: Black Stars arrive in Libya for crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan
The Black Stars have arrived in Benina, Libya, for their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Matchday Four qualifier against Sudan.
The team left Accra at 10:40 a.m. and arrived at the Benina International Airport at 6:30 p.m. local time yesterday, October 13.
This match is crucial for Ghana, as they aim to secure a win after a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The team will hold a mandatory pre-match training session at the Martyrs of February Stadium today, Monday, ahead of the Matchday four clash scheduled for 13:00 GMT on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
A win against Sudan would significantly enhance Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco next year.
Ghana are third in Group F with 2 points – two points behind second placed Sudan and 7 points adrift of leaders Angola who are on 9 points.
Sports
Great Olympics stop Nania FC, Okwahu United come from behind to beat Hohoe United in Zone Three
Accra Great Olympics won a thrilling match against FC Nania with a score of 2-1on Saturday.
This victory has helped them continue their unbeaten run in the current campaign as they push for a quick return to the Premier League.
The match was exciting; with Samuel Abbey Ashie Quaye converting a spot kick in the 44th minute, giving Great Olympics a slim lead at halftime.
Shortly after the break, Isaac Mensah scored another goal for the home team, doubling their lead.
Although Ruben Quaye from FC Nania scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the match as Great Olympics held on to win the contest 2-1.
Okwawu United came from behind to beat Hohoe United 2-1 at the Koforidua Sports Stadium on Sunday. Kwadwo Boamah strike first in the 27th minute to put Hohoe United in front at halftime.
Mustapha Issah responded with a lovely goal in the 61st minute before Samuel Boamah scored the winner for Okwawu United inside the 66th minute.
King Graham’s early goal in the 9th minute helped Inter Allies secure a 1-0 win against Kotoku Royals in the Access Bank Division One League at Ho .
This victory is a testament to Inter Allies’ strong performance, and King Graham’s outstanding skills on the field earned him the player of the match award.