Few years ago, the nation was awashed with colours of the senior national football team, anytime the Black Stars, were in action.
The paraphernalia, replica jerseys and all the things representing the Stars, flew colourfully everywhere.
Anywhere a group of people gathered, you were sure to hear a discussion on Team Ghana and its charming football and the missed opportunities.
No more!
Today, the love for the Stars has sunk considerably to the extent that many do not really care when the players are action; owing to the team’s own less-inspiring streak of performances over the last few years.
It is against this saturnine backdrop that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sent what appears to be a rousing message of hope to the team, urging them to defend the jersey with pride and honour.
The goodwill message, one of the finest in recent times, was delivered on the eve of the Black Stars’ participation in the 33rd edition of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the President goading the Stars to go a step further to win their fifth African trophy, believing they have the quality to make it happen.
“We have to go a step further in the second places we recorded in 1992, 2010 and 2015 and bring the 40-year drought to an end.
“The task may be daunting, but it is certainly not insurmountable. I believe in the current crop of players; we have the talent to match any of the best teams on the continent,” he asserted.
The President urged the players to wear the jersey with pride and determination; be of one mind and spirit and be united on and off the pitch – whether chosen in the first eleven or not.
It is pertinent we stressed on the fact that the task may be back-breaking, as the President alluded to, but it is certainly not unconquerable – and the current crop of players can only give it their all – just as those who made history before them in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
Importantly, too, he made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to rally behind the team, no matter what, as Ghana seeks to become a force to reckon with on the continent once again.
Sadly, the Stars lost their opening game against Morocco 1-0 – the ‘damaging goal’ coming as late as the 83rd minute.
Truth is that majority of the Ghanaian players did not come to the party on the afternoon.
From Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, to the recuperating captain Andre Dede Ayew, the team failed to click as expected.
Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac may have made things worse when he tarried with his substitutions until Ghana fell behind, seven minutes from the final signal – allowing the Atlas Lions to take advantage of the Stars’ disorganised backline.
At the time of putting this piece together yesterday, Ghana were playing Gabon in their second game of the tournament.
Whatever the result, the Stars would also have the Comoros Islands to deal with next week. Naturally, Ghanaians would expect victory and dream of qualification to the Round of 16 stage.
What is needed in the final assignment next week is a full-blooded fight characterised with water-tight backline and precision in attack.
As consistently hammered, it would only take the Black Stars themselves to bring back the love.
When the Stars perform creditably, the nation’s joy is immeasurable, leaving everyone feeling proud and good to be Ghanaian – and ultimately uniting us as a people and temporary putting aside our sharp political polarisation.
Our boys must know they have a mission to fulfill in Cameroon. Not winning the Holy Grail for 40 years is simply unacceptable and the heart-rending drought must be broken.
Like the President said, the task may be daunting, but it is certainly not insurmountable. With a solitary sense of purpose, determination, valour and hardwork, the Stars can stun the world.
If for nothing at all, they have a great brand to uphold – and ought to dash for the honour.
By John Vigah