Editorial: Keep it up, Black Stars

Last Friday, the Black Stars put up a vintage performance that revived hopes of their continued stay in the AFCON 2015 tournament.

The goal that brought about that hope was scored by the team’s captain, Asamoah Gyan, in injury time when everyone had lost hope of any chance of the team qualifying from the group stage.

When that goal was scored, the enthusiasm of a good number of Ghanaians was revived and the heated arguments that characterised post-match discussions were activated.

Without doubt, the national support and enthusiasm that Ghanaians have given to the national team has dwindled considerably following their poor showing at Brazil 2014.

The rather bizarre and riotous behaviour of some of the players in Brazil, among other factors, led to the wholesale condemnation of the team and that informed the apathy that engulfed the entire nation regarding support for the team.

Then, not quite long ago, a new coach was contracted to handle the team and that stirred up some confidence that Avram Grant, the famed Israeli coach, probably carried the magic wand that would ultimately turn the fortunes of the team around.

With some uncertainty, Ghanaians looked forward to the start of the AFCON 2015, with the expectation that the glitter that characterised the performance of the stars in years past would be found.

In their first game, which was watched by a good number of people, the Stars put the smiles on the faces of Ghanaians when they scored quite early in the first half of the game.

We waited with bated breath to see the display of a more classic performance in the second half, only for them to concede two goals that annoyed many Ghanaians.

Much cannot be said about the level of condemnation that followed their defeat to Senegal and the obvious prediction that they were doomed for exit at the group stage.

While the team may have revived their hope in the competition, there is the need to re-assess our support for the Stars since their return from Brazil.

A new coach has been brought on board to manage the fortunes of the team and, rather unfortunately, he did not have adequate time to prepare the boys for the competition and ensure that whatever strategy he had brought on board had been properly assimilated by the team.

The Daily Graphic believes that following the team’s poor showing in Brazil and the appointment of a new coach, some time is needed for the team to be groomed to put them in proper shape to deliver that excitement that all Ghanaians yearn for.

What the Black Stars need now, more than ever, is our unflinching support and prayer towards the building of a new national team.

Things go wrong in life and it is no different for the national team as they go through trying moments at AFCON 2015. We must remember that footballers always give their best when their supporters cheer them on, no matter the difficulties.

The players of the Black Stars expect nothing but the full support of their teeming supporters.

We cannot afford to give up on them or judge them too harshly. Rather, our input should be geared towards constructive appraisal that will promote their speedy rebuilding and integration.

Team-building is a process, not an event, and the Daily Graphic believes that with hard work and dedication, our Stars will glitter again.

We all look forward to their next game as we urge them to, once again, display the Ghanaian spirit for our nation.

The team needs the support they can get from all Ghanaians in the quest to re-define our role as the dominant African football nation.