Black Princesses coach, Yusif Basigi, has justified his choice to include forward Mukarama Abdulai in Ghana’s matches during the 2023 African Games despite facing criticism
Abdulai was on the scoresheet for the Ghana U-20 female side as they climbed from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night.
⏰: 64’
Goalllll
Who else!!!Mukarama Abdulai puts us in the lead!
🇬🇭 2:1 🇹🇿 #StrongerTogether💪🏽 #ShineBlackPrincesses✨#BringBackTheLove 🥰 #Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/mHaP6bJ5pU
— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) March 12, 2024
Before the former FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winner’s goal, he had faced backlash from the public including a section of spectators booing her for her wastefulness in front of goal.
Basigi is, however, not perturbed by the critics and believes this is the time the player needs more support to deliver for the nation.
“Mukarama is a household name, we all know and even if she is half-fit and she is up there I think strategically the opponents also do not push further,” said the coach after the game.
“We all know that for some time now she’s been off the field but this is the time for us to help her endure very well.
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“For me, I don’t see anything wrong with [her playing all minutes]. I have been communicating with her and she still wants to play so if you don’t do that, it will rather not help her.”
Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has added his voice appealing to the public to put a stop to hooting at players who dedicate their time to represent the country.
Mukarama’s situation follows other incidents involving Black Stars players like Abdul Baba Rahman who faced setbacks while representing the country with fans booing him for underperformance.
“This is NOT Ghana and this culture has to be rejected. In recent times , some of our players including Abdul Baba Rahman and from yesterday’s game in Cape Coast, striker Mukarama Abdulai (black Princesses)have been booed by some few Ghanaian football fans. My appeal is that let’s stay together as Ghanaians at all times and let’s support our players in good times and in bad times. This is NOT a good habit!!!!” he wrote on Facebook.
With a game to spare, Ghana has sailed through to the semi-finals of the competition thanks to the 2-1 victory.
They will face Uganda in the final group game on Friday, March 15, 2024.