Black Stars players have united in their apology to fans in Ghana over their group stage exit at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire.
From the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to captain Andre Dede Ayew, public apologies continued to pour in for the team’s disappointing performance in Cote D’Ivoire.
The Black Stars, unable to progress to the round of 16, were eliminated from Group B with only two points obtained from three games. A 1-2 defeat against Cape Verde and 2-2 draws with Mozambique and Egypt led to the team’s premature exit for the second consecutive edition.
The backlash from Ghanaians was immediate, criticizing the team’s attitude and commitment, claiming a lack of drive and patriotism.
Dede Ayew, in a video released, took responsibility for the team’s performance and expressed regret for not meeting the nation’s expectations.
“As the captain of the squad, I take full responsibility for what happened on the pitch. For the playing body, we should have done better,” Ayew stated in the apology released exactly a week after the team’s elimination.
The Ghana Football Association, in a statement also extended its sincerest apologies to the nation, acknowledging the subpar campaign and falling short of expectations.
“We understand the disappointment and frustration that such results can bring to our passionate football-loving nation. We take full responsibility for the disappointment,” the GFA said.
Other players, including Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Kudus Mohammed, Gideon Mensah, Joseph Painstil, Ernest Nuamah, Osman Bukari, and Majeed Ashimeru, have also issued apologies and reflections on the team’s performance.
From Alexander Djiku, “Words will certainly not be enough to erase the disillusionment. We are disappointed and very sorry for our Ghanaian people that we have failed at this stage of the competition, but if you only knew how grateful we are to have been supported by you, our Ghanaian fans,” Djiku wrote on Instagram.
Defender Mohammed Salisu said: “It is with a deepest regret that I am writing to you about our disappointing campaign in the 2023 AFCON. As you all know we went with the intention of bringing the Trophy home but it was rather unfortunate that we were eliminated from the tournament in the group stage,” Salisu expressed on Instagram.
Even Ghana’s best player in AFCON Kudus Mohammed added: “To the heart & soul of Ghana. In these difficult times where our only source of pride, joy & unity are our victories, we stand in solidarity with your disappointment…Your enduring support is our motivation to strive in commitment to making you proud in the future,” Kudus Mohammed shared on Instagram.
Also Gideon Mensah said: “With a very heavy heart & deep thoughts after our unfortunate exit from the ongoing AFCON…we will keep working very hard until we bring back the Smiles & Joy,” Mensah wrote on Instagram.