Afriyie tips Stars to shine

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Committee member, George Afriyie, says the local Black Stars will recover from their slow start with an impressive quarter-final victory over DR Congo tomorrow.

George Afriyie told the Daily Graphic that Ghana’s reputation as “slow starters” in major tournaments could be the reason for the Stars’ perceived average performances so far in their three group stage matches in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

“It’s a typical Ghanaian way of starting tournaments; we always start slowly and lift our performances as we progress. But aside that, it’s also important to note that we got to the quarter-finals undefeated. At times football is not about playing to the gallery but gaining points, these players are the best we have on the local scene and they fit into the coaches’ philosophy.”

“For all the criticisms this team have faced, we finished at the top of Group C, while the host and pre-tournament favourites, South Africa, crashed out.”

He expects nothing but a win when the Stars face DR Congo at 5:30 pm at the Free State Stadium tomorrow.

“The tournament is now at the business end; we will defeat DR Congo and move closer to bringing the trophy home to Ghana. The team need our support and I urge all Ghanaians to back Coach Maxwell Konadu and his players.”