Akufo-Addo fires up Stars to end 33-yr AFCON trophy drought

The Flagbearer of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged Ghanaians to rally around the senior national football team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea to end the West African country’s 33-year trophy drought at the continental showpiece.

“With determination and hard work from our players, the technical team and management, and the unflinching support of all of us, I strongly believe that the Black Stars can end the trophy drought that has left Ghana unable to win the Africa Cup of Nations since we last won it thirty three years ago,” the former Attorney General said in a goodwill message to the team.

Ghana, who are tour-time African champions, have not won the AFCON title since the 1982 tournament in Libya.

The Stars open their Group C campaign with an anticipated tough match against Senegal on Monday under new coach Avram Grant, who has not been given any specific task of winning the tournament by the Ghana Football Association.

In his short goodwill statement issued Sunday January 18, 2015, Akufo-Addo said: “I wish the senior national football team, the Black Stars, the very best of luck as they prepare to play Senegal, on Monday, January, 19, 2015, in Group Cs opening match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Equatorial Guinea.

“I urge all Ghanaians to rally behind Captain Asamoah Gyan and our players, and the Avram Grant-led technical team. Go for Gold!!”

"Best of luck! God bless!"