Former Black Stars defender Jerry Akaminko has recounted his experience at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he was benched after conceding a penalty in Ghana’s 2-2 draw against DR Congo in their opening match.

The former Manisaspor defender explained that he committed a foul inside the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick that contributed to the draw.

Akaminko said the incident did not sit well with then Black Stars head coach James Kwasi Appiah, who subsequently left him out of the starting lineup for the rest of the tournament, even when other players in his position suffered injuries.

Why Kim Lars was chosen to lead the Black Stars over local coaches

“I think I was the only defender on the bench at that time because I had, I think, committed a penalty. I caused a penalty during the first game with Congo. And after that, they didn't include me in the team again. And a whole lot of politics in the team.

“I think I was benched throughout the tournament. And even John got injured. I was the last defender. Anthony Annan was saying, ‘Jerry, warm up, you are going.’ Then he had to switch because, I think, Kwadwo was playing up front that game, so we were more on Burkina,” he said on the Jupay podcast, shared on YouTube.

Akaminko expressed disappointment with Appiah’s decision, arguing that mistakes are part of football and should not be used to punish an individual player in a team sport.

“Like, I believe, if you're playing football and you make a mistake, collectively, the whole team. It could be your wake-up. You could be the saviour on the team the next game. This is us. Our mistakes make us better. But you know, there were so many things that went on,” he lamented.

The former Black Stars defender further revealed that he was left out of the national team for several months after the 2013 AFCON.

He said he was recalled for a match against Egypt when several players in his position were injured, a development that left him frustrated.

“In that game, you understand? And that was it. And then I think after that, when we came back, I wasn't called for quite some months until the Egypt game, when I think Jonathan was injured. John Boye was injured, and then they called me against Kumasi. The one in Kumasi, the sixth one. And then coming,” he added.

Ghana finished fourth at the 2013 AFCON after losing 3-1 to Mali in the third-place play-off.

Watch the interview below:



SB/JKB

Guns and Drugs: Dr Adam Bonaa Warns of Growing Security Threat to Ghana