Sports News of Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Source: classfmonline.com

Ghana-Guinea-Bissau Afcon duel: Can the Black Stars restore the lost hope?

Andre Ayew vie for the ball in Ghana's last match against Cameroon Andre Ayew vie for the ball in Ghana's last match against Cameroon

The fate of Ghana’s Black Stars hangs in the balance as they face the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau in the final Group F game in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt later today, Tuesday, 2 June 2019.

The Black Stars are third in the group with two points after two games.

Ghana drew 2 – 2 with the Squirrels of Benin in their opening game to the shock of many football connoisseurs.

Against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the defending champions, the Black Stars failed to shine and drew goalless leaving their survival hopes largely dependent in today’s game.

Anything short of a win against Guinea-Bissau will see the Black Stars kicked out of the tournament.

Most Ghanaians support their national team but to protect their hearts, which the Stars have continually broken for the past 37 years, they are being cautious in confidently sticking out their necks for a win in today’s game.

Successive tournaments have proven that the Black Stars are slow-starters and get better once the tournament progresses, and this time might not be any different.

Since 2006, Ghana’s worst Afcon performance has been a place in the semi-finals and, therefore, anything short of that this year will be a disaster for the national team.

Knowing very well that other big names in African football like Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Nigeria have booked their ticket to the round 16th stage should inspire team Ghana to soldier on.

Ghanaians are optimistic; the Coach, Kwesi Appiah is optimistic, and the lads have promised not to disappoint.

So, with a few hours to kick off at the Suez stadium, the question on the minds of many football-loving Ghanaians is: can the Black Stars restore the lost hope or further douse the already-extinguishing flame of Ghana football? Only time will tell.