Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor has disclosed that he will adapt the tactical philosophy used by the victorious 1978 Africa Cup of Nations team.
Ghana became the first country to lift the coveted AFCON trophy for keeps after defeating the Cranes of Uganda 2-0 courtesy a brace from Opoku Afriyie.
Under the tutelage of the late Osam Duodou, the West African powerhouse displayed one of the most exciting attacking performances in the history of the competition.
The Black Stars netted nine goals in five outings and conceded two goals to cap off a successful tournament in Cameroon.
“I have a tape of the 1978 squad [and observed] how they played. We will modify it a little bit – that [style] has been my idea” Akonnor told the GFA media.
“It is not about what I want, it’s about the demands of the people and I know the style of play that our people are interested in – we entertain the crowd, play a very constructive football but we have to be efficient at the end of the day because that is what matters most. You play, entertain and you don’t win and you will see what Ghanaians will tell you."
“Ghanaians are passionate about the game. I know what they want and how I can manage to get them what they want is the problem my technical team [has to solve]. And I think we will do this in a very positive way,” Akonnor stated.
Ghana’s Opoku Afriyie finished among the top scorers with three goals with four players named into the team of the tournament – James Kuuku Dadzie, Mohammed Polo, Karim Abdul Razak and Adolf Armah – with Abdul Razak ‘Golden boy’ winning the player of the tournament to wrap a domineering performance.