The Black Stars have been a favourite team in Africa and at the FIFA World Cup; however, in recent years they have not performed to the satisfaction of football fans.
The Black Stars problem can be solved by the players selected to defend the flag on the field.
In previous years, the Black Stars have been good because the best players are selected and they give their best. Wearing the national jersey alone is great motivation and inspiration.
So when players cannot sing the national anthem, it becomes a worry and raises questions about the level of patriotism of the players.
Fortunately, the team is entering a new era filled with fresh opportunities.
Key players who have been missing due to various injuries have returned, like Mohammed Kudus, Kofi Kyere, Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey and skipper Jordan Ayew, who missed the last match against The Gambia.
It is also heartwarming to note that some local players have been given the opportunity; aside from Benjamin Asare, who was at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the new Black Stars have Isaac Afful, a defender from FC Samatex, Musa Hanzata, another defender from Asante Kotoko, Etse Dogli, a midfielder of Medeama, and Emmanuel Annor, a striker formerly of Nations FC, now with Medeama.
Against Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, the Black Stars won by two goals to nil with goals coming from Jonas Adjetey and Afena Gyan.
Jordan Ayew missed a penalty in the game, but he contributed to the second goal before handing over the captain’s armband to Thomas Partey to leave the field.
The stars who shone brightly against Somalia were returnee Kofi Kyere and Mohammed Salisu.
Generally, it was a good game as Ghana got the three points. The technical bench, led by Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, did well to make changes on time and allowed more players to feel the game.
The return leg against the Ocean Stars is on Monday, and it is another opportunity to score more goals.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
