Ghanaians lose hope in Black Stars ahead of AFCON


The Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) is billed to begin tomorrow in Gabon with the Black Stars of Ghana participating and hoping to win the trophy in this year's Tournament.

From the Bono Ahafo region, Radio Ghana's Correspondent, Freda Abban hits the streets of the regional capital Sunyani, to observe the atmosphere there ahead of the event. 

She reports that the euphoria towards the tournament is down as most of the people have lost hope in the Senior National Team. 

Meanwhile, dealers in Black Stars paraphernalia in the town, are complaining bitterly about the unusual low sale of their items ahead of the event. We bring you her report.

Usually, the enthusiasm of the populace ahead of tournaments such as the up coming AFCON is high and fan. 

During such periods most people, both young and old, clad themselves in national colours to show support to the National Team. 

Barely 24 hours to the opening much of the tournament one would expect a rekindled enthusiasm hoovering in the air through the ten regions of Ghana.  

Her visit to town however, revealed that the euphoria is down and it would certainly take some victories from the Black Stars to lift back the spirit of patriotism that existed in past competitions. 

Discussing the subject with a section of citizens in Sunyani, they expressed mixed feeling towards the rationale for the downturn of support for the team.

After interactions with the people, Ms. Abban headed to joints where football paraphernalia are sold to find out the pace of sales. 

A 35 -year-old Abena Achaa deals in Black stars paraphernalia at Odumase in the Sunyani West district, told Radio Ghana that nobody seem to be interested in the AFCON and the Black Stars for that matter and that has affected her sales. 

She further stated that with her twelve years experience in the trade, she has not witnessed such a dull moment where people do not even ask for prizes of jerseys and Ghana flags ahead of such a big tournament.

Some people according to her, are not even aware that the AFCON would begin tomorrow and that the Black Stars would be playing  Uganda on Tuesday. 

Some expressed hope that the team wins its first  game  and further press on to advance in performance so that the good people of Ghana would render them massive support.


GBC