The Black Stars of Ghana for the second time disappointed South African admirers, fans and supporters who have gathered at the Cape Town Stadium to watch them carry the CHAN Cup in a titanic match against Libya.

The first time was at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup where Ghana was backed by the vociferous fans blowing their Vuvuzelas, but eliminated at the quarter final by Uruguay led by one goal thief call Suarez.

In 2014 at the Championship of African Nations (CHAN), the local Black Stars from whom much was expected from at the initial stages, but progressed gradually to beat the likes of DR Congo and almighty Nigeria to reach the final where they were fully supported by the whole south nation, but could not beat the Libyans from north Africa. Ghana, playing in their second final in three editions, were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Libya.It was sweet revenge for the Mediterranean Knights who lost 7-6 on penalties to the Black Stars 32 years ago in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Ghana reached the final of the maiden edition of the CHAN tournament hosted by Ivory Coast in 2009 but lost 2-0 to DR Congo.

Ghana played fantastically and physically to edge out Nigeria at the Semi Final so they were a bit stretched before facing Libya in the final. The local Black Stars handled by Coach Maxwell Konadu performed above average and reaching the final to be rewarded $400,000 plus a qualification bonus of $175, 000 puts them in a way to bring home $575,000, which is very good.

Majority of the Ghana team players (8), were from Kumasi Asante Kotoko and most of them failed the click when it mattered most. Local scene best striker Seidu Bancey and rasta haired Yahaya Mohammed were pale shadows of themselves, just like Jordan Opoku, Michael Akuffo and Theopilus Anoba. Tournaments of such nature are used to advertise one’s nation, team, players, supporters, pressmen, government officials, FA officials and others so it is big serious business, but our players were casual when it mattered most. Coach Kwesi Appiah has reten his name in the history books of Africa and Ghana that he is competent, reliable, skillful, can read the game and make the best substitutions. He was able to overcome Stephen Keshi, Africa’s best coach and showed that if the Asante Kotoko players were dull, others like Abeiku Ainooson, Sulley Mohammed of Accra Hearts of Oak and Stephen Adams of Aduana fame were superb and held the defence tight. No wonder Ghana had the best defence, conceding only one (penalty) goal during regulation time at the tournament. The forwards (strikers) failed to move forward to shoot at goal, it was Yahaya Mohammed who forced a heading goal against Libya during the group stage matches and that was his best ever performance at CHAN 2014.

For no reason Yahya Mohammed was falling on the turf to disqualify him as a choice for the proper Black Stars. Abramham Asiedu Atobra was an inspiration at CHAN 2014 and he would be remembered for charging the fans, scoring the winner to the grand final and reviving Ghana at the final penalty shootout against Libya. For Goalkeeper Stephen Adams, he was the brightest figure in the Ghana team, making marvelous saves at the whole tournament. He deserves a place in the real Black Stars that would be going to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, this June.

He prove beyond doubts that when given the opportunity he can do it and he did if superbly in the Free State and Cape Town.

No wonder all South Africans were behind Ghana and nicknamed the Black Stars BaGhana BaGhana, their second team if the Bafana Bafana are out. As least was expected from the local Black Stars, but the went and saw and conquered only to be beaten at the grand finale on penalties shows they could have won if they shot well, especially Kotoko midfielder Michael Akuffo who was not inspirational as a skipper.

Generally, Maxwell Konadu’s boys did well as half a loaf is better than none and they won all the man of the match awards excerpt the final match won by the Libyan goalie.

The local Black Stars performance has shown that there is some quality in the local league, no wonder it has attracted sponsorship from Glo, Super Sport and First Capital Saving and Loans and rated among the best on the continent of Africa.

Members of the technical team supporting Maxwell Konadu also deserve praise just like the numerous supporters who traveled to South Africa and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.