Kufour & Akunnor call for focus on Mali 2002

The skipper of the national soccer team, the Black Stars, C.K. Akonnor and his deputy Samuel Osei Kufuor are unamused that instead of concentrating on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Mali which is only some seven weeks away, most Ghanaians appear to be focusing on issues which only tend to distract the team’s preparation and focus.

Speaking to the paper from Wolfsbourg, C.K. Akonnor who said he was looking forward to his fifth Africa Nations tourney after outings in Tunisia ‘94, South Africa ‘96, Burkina Faso ‘98, and Ghana 2000, emphasised that the nation cannot afford to send an ill-prepared team.

“That’s where the real discussion should focus, rather than the much talked-about $25,000 which appears to be sapping all our energies. Others can talk about it all day, but we ought to be focusing on our preparations since Ghanaians will not accept excuses after the tournament”, C.K. said.

Sammy Kuffuor, his deputy couldn’t be more emphatic. “I have known coach Osam Duodo since my days as a young footballer and can vouch for his honesty and integrity. He would not do anything sinister or clandestine, and I personally don’t think the allegations against him and the boys are true. If we want him to do a good job, then we need to give him the peace of mind and total support,” Kuffuor said.