Ghana’s Black Stars are looking to bounce back from their disappointing start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they take on Mozambique in their must-win clash on Monday night at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
The team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Cape Verde in their opening match, followed by a 2-2 draw against Egypt in their second game.
However, 1978 AFCON winner Willie Klutse believes that the team has the potential to turn things around and make a strong comeback. Klutse, along with other past winners of the AFCON such as Rev. Osei Kofi, James Kuuku Dadzie, and Kofi Pare, visited the team’s training on Saturday to offer words of encouragement and advice. They reminded the players that the entire nation is behind them and that they can succeed.
Speaking to 3news.com, Klutse said, “We let them know that all is not lost. We referred them to the past World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina lost their first game but went on to win the trophy, so it’s possible. The whole thing is they should focus and set their mind to achieving something for themselves and the nation because the whole nation is looking up to them and they are capable of doing it.”
According to Klutse, the Black Stars’ main problem has been a lack of focus, particularly in the second game against Egypt. He explained, “The first game they lost focus because they thought the game was over so they relaxed. They tried to work in the second game, but the same thing. When they went ahead, they lost focus again, they had to work hard and come back and then they lost their focus again.”
“Sometimes in football, when you are playing the game and once in a while you look at the scoreboard, it can deceive you. Some of the players look at the scoreboard and think the game is over, but the game is not over until it’s over. So again they lost focus and made these bad mistakes. I think they have learnt their lessons and I believe strongly they will do a good job and move to the next stage.”
Despite their struggles, a win over Mozambique could still see Ghana qualify for the round of 16 tournament, either as one of the best third-placed teams or as runners-up if Egypt lose to Cape Verde in the other match. The Black Stars will need to put in a strong performance and avoid any further slip-ups if they want to progress in the competition.