Five memorable Black Stars games to help you forget coronavirus

To help their citizens cope with the stress of the coronavirus that has taken the lives of thousands of their citizens, a section of the Italian media has for the past few weeks been showing some sports classics.

In one of the episodes, the country’s national broadcaster RAI Italia replayed all of Italy matches en route to the 2006 World Cup triumph.

As Ghanaians battle with the deadly virus with the numbers increasing at Usain Bolt-like pace, we bring you five Black Stars matches you can watch to give you an escape from the negativity of the virus.

Ghana’s first AFCON win

If you were fortunate to be alive to watch it then this could be a nostalgic moment. If you happen not have been born then, you have an opportunity to learn and get acquainted with the country’s football history.

Ghana won its first AFCON in 1963 after an emphatic 3-0 win over Sudan in Accra.

For the Nkrumah government, it was a crowning of all their efforts.



1982 AFCON win

The last of Ghana’s four AFCON trophies. An ill-prepared Black Stars side went all the way to the finals and defeated Gadafi’s Libya.

Following the 1981 coup, there were reports that Ghana was not going to participate in the tournament but then military ruler Jerry John Rawlings ordered the team to compete and they did not disappoint.

Despite not having the best of kits and relying on rubber-studded boots, Ghana made it to the finals and defeated Gadafi’s Libya to bring home what turned out to be the country’s last AFCON trophy.

The drought has lasted 38 years.



Ghana 2-0 South Africa

A crop of young and hungry players made history by qualifying Ghana to its first world.

After several years of unsuccessful trials, Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Muntari and a host young players who have been refined through the country’s youth team did the unthinkable.

A shocking 2-0 away win at South Africa made the dream a reality as Ghana made it to the tournament with a game to spare.

Stephen Appiah set up Matthew Amoah for the first goal before the bison Michael Essien thumped home a header to win it for Ghana.

The streets of Accra were flooded with ecstatic Ghanaians and it will be great to have another look at the match.



Ghana versus Czech

That flick over Rosicky, the defense-splitting pass by Appiah to find Gyan who received with the first touch of Ronaldinho-esque and the left-footed driver beyond the rich of Petr Cech. What a goal that was.

It was a magnificent goal that you can watch over and over again.

The second goal oh dear. The quick passes between Appiah, Gyan and the scorer Sulley Muntari.

If you miss Muntari’s powerful and accurate left foot, this is time to catch it again.



Ghana versus USA (2010 World Cup)

It remains a mystery how Gyan turned a defensive clearance into one of the best goals at the World Cup.

For all his troubles, Gyan has been a great servant for Ghana and that game is one of the instances he made a case for his undisputed legendary status.

The chest control, the first touch and the glide past Tim Howard.

It’s one of the best experiences and you need to watch it.