Black Stars left-back Gideon Mensah has called for urgent changes in the team following their disappointing 2-4 defeat to The Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
The FC Köln defender, who captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Jordan Ayew, said the Black Stars had enough talent but needed to develop the right mentality, urgency and spirit required to represent Ghana.
“There are a lot of things that need to change in the team. Like the coach said, there is a whole lot to build together. But at some point, it goes beyond talent, it goes beyond getting your call-up and picking your bag to come to Ghana,” he said at the post-match press conference.
Mensah, 28, who has made 44 appearances for the Black Stars and featured in both AFCON qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, endured a difficult evening after conceding a penalty which The Gambia converted for their opening goal.
Despite the setback, he said playing for the national team demanded more than individual ability and urged the players to demonstrate greater urgency and commitment whenever they wore the national colours.
“To play for the national team, we need to put it in our minds that playing for Ghana comes with a lot of responsibility. These are things we need to learn.
“As for talent, as for running, as for playing football, everybody knows we can do it. But there is some urgency and some spirit we need to have when we play for Ghana,” he stated.
Mensah also defended players who were called into the squad to replace injured members of the team, saying they deserved encouragement for stepping up to represent the country.
“There have been some names who withdrew from the national team, not because of lies or lack of commitment, but because they are injured. But these other boys showed courage to come and represent the nation.
“So, at some point we should also appreciate them,” he added.
The defeat to The Gambia has increased pressure on the Black Stars to improve their performances in their remaining AFCON qualifying matches. Mensah insisted that the team must learn from the setback and make the necessary changes.
