Two-time presidential candidate of the main opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, says Ghanaians should put the 2014 FIFA World Cup fiasco and disappointment behind them, and support the country’s senior national football team and the head coach, as they clash with the Cranes of Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“I urge Ghanaians to rally behind Captain Asamoah Gyan and our players and the Kwesi Appiah-led technical team, and put behind us the disappointment of Brazil”, the former Attorney General said in a brief statement to wish the Stars well in their weekend game.
Ghanaian football fans have still not forgiven the Stars for their abysmal performance at the Mundial in Brazil and have therefore been indifferent to the AFCON qualifiers.
Fans have been heard on Radio saying they would not turn up to cheer the Stars on during the AFCON qualifying match with the Cranes at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Ghana’s Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, Saturday.
The Government of Ghana announced free entry on Friday to appease the fans but that decision was overturned hours later by the National Sports Authority.
Akufo-Addo, who is aiming to run for president for the third consecutive time says Ghanaians should forgive the Stars and move on.
“I believe strongly that with unity, determination and hard work the Black Stars will make us proud once again”, Akufo-Addo said.
He wished the Stars “the very best of luck” as they encounter the Cranes at the Baba Yara sports stadium in Kumasi Saturday, September 6.