Ghana has crashed out of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing 2-nil to Uruguay on Friday December 2, 2022. While that may be painful, she takes consolation in the fact that her nemesis Uruguay is not progressing to the next stage of the competition either.
Hindsight
Football is Ghana’s passion. If Ghana’s national team went into a football match with any international side, political, ethnic and religious differences did not matter anymore; the whole country came together to support the players to chant and shout for victory. When Ghana played football, the umbrella and elephant were no longer symbols of division; neither did the mosque and cathedral pose any difference. Ghana has had a chequered history in the world of football. Her outstanding performance in continental competitions remains a critical element of her football history. The national team has won the Africa Cup of Nations four times – in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
Insight
Ghana’s performance at the international level is undoubtedly average with the need for serious improvement. In spite of a chequered football history the Afcon tile has eluded her for decades while qualifying for the World Cup remained elusive until 2006. In 2010, Ghana failed to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay in a nerve-racking match. Ghana was presented with a golden opportunity to lead as she was awarded a penalty but failed to convert. Ghana’s club teams have also been struggling in international competitions.
When the Black stars made its maiden appearance at the World Cup in 2006 with a campaign that terminated at the Round of 16 stage, many Ghanaians believed the national team would go places. Subsequent qualifications in 2010 and 2014 editions of the World Cup increased citizens’ belief in the Black Stars. But the country made its worst showing at the World Cup in 2014. The scandalous World Cup campaign led to the formation of the Justice Dzamefe Commission of Enquiry. In September 2018, the World Football governing body, FIFA set up a four-member Normalization Committee chaired by Dr. Kofi Amoah to “fix” the GFA. The GFA subsequently held a congress to elect substantive leaders, effectively bringing the work of the Normalization Committee to an end. The new GFA leadership subsequently revived the Premiere League.
Foresight
Successful football in Ghana is measured by a dynamic local league and an outstanding showing in international competitions. What is the present state of Ghana’s local league and what are the country’s prospects in future international tournaments? What steps are being taken to enable Ghana put up an amazing showing at the next Afcon. What foresight activity/preparation would enable us score our next penalty kick in any major competition? Do we need a penalty-kick academy?