Another day for Stars to cross the Rubicon

Tomorrow is yet another day in the life of the Black Stars at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon.

It is a day that the Stars will have to define their readiness to carry the AFCON trophy that has eluded them for over three decades when they clash with The Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in a semi-final eliminator.

This is by no means an encounter to be brushed aside in a hurry, as the opponents have been as gamesome as the Stars themselves in the AFCON championship.

Just as the Stars are chasing their fifth championship triumph in Gabon, so are the Lions roaring to pounce on their fifth trophy, which all make tomorrow’s clash between the two quite unpredictable.
We, however, are of the conviction that the Stars are unstoppable at this stage of the competition, and just as they knocked out Congo DR at the quarter-finals, so will the Lions also be put to the sword.

It, therefore, behoves us, as Ghanaians anywhere and everywhere, to be supportive of our team and show goodwill towards our players and officials to replicate the act that has seen them this far.

Frankly, we are upset, just like many others, about the reported undignified verbal assault on Ghanaian fans by goalkeeper Razak Brimah for their strong criticism of him in the last match.

Indeed, Brimah’s goalkeeping errors in Ghana’s narrow 2-1 win over Congo, doubtlessly, were irksome. But we must be quick to state that the round of condemnation and insults poured on him must have been too much for him to withstand.

It is why we plead with Ghanaians to pardon him for his over-reaction and accept his subsequent apology in the hope that he turns on a better and more humbling behaviour in the service of his country.

For those who are calling for Brimah’s immediate sack from the national team, we must ask them to hold their fire. He may not be the best goal-tender now, but who else do we have?

It is no fault of his that suddenly he has found himself as the number one when, arguably, those in contention are anything but better.

For now, we have a mission to accomplish at the AFCON and the immediate task is to qualify for the grand finale by beating Cameroun tomorrow, which must be the focus of the players and their officials.

Let us, therefore, switch our concentration there and be in one accord with the officials but not distract them with calls that may be effectively destabilising.

But let it be told to the Razak Braimahs and others with short fuse who populate the Stars’ ranks that criticism by the fans should be taken in their stride, as it pays off in the long run.

Jordan Ayew can vouch for us!