Relief as Ghana qualifies for AFCON

 

From Joseph Ojumu, Accra

 

There is relief in Ghana over the qualification Sunday of the national team, the Black Stars for the 2017 African Cup of Nations, AFCON tourney.

Israeli trainer, Avram Grant is one person who really has a weight lifted off his shoulders. 

The no-nonsense former coach of English Premiership side, Cheelsea FC, has had a long-running battle with officials of the Ghana Football Association, GFA and had been tasked to do well in the tournament.

During the last tournament in Equatorial Guinea – he led the team to the finals but lost the trophy to Ivory Coast on penalties.

With a current target to reach the finals of the 2017 Afcon tournament and win it as well, Grant’s job was literally saved as he qualified the team on Sunday.

In the most decisive encounter, the Black Stars defeated Mauritius 2-0 to top Group H with 13 points.

Equally to be noted is the fact that Grant is presently also on course to qualify the team for the fourth World Cup as they have already progressed to the next stage of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Indeed, dispassionate watchers say that despite his poor politics, the sweat merchant remains a strong and solid tactical hand for the Black Stars. They note that since he took over the team in 2014, the only competitive game he has lost within the continent may very well be Ghana’s 2-1 defeat by Senegal at the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.