Former Ghana Football Association boss Lepowura Mohammed Nurudeen Jawula has implored Ghanaians to tone down on the negativity and rather support the Black Stars as they try to end the country’s 40-year wait for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Cameroon.
Thus far, Black Stars have been disappointing. Two matches played, one defeat, one draw, and have recorded just one point from a possible six.
A draw or defeat in their last group game against Comoros on Tuesday evening will mean the end of the road for Ghana at this year’s tournament.
Their failure to impress has led to some harsh criticism which Lepowura has condemned. He wants Ghanaians to rally behind the team despite the poor form as he trusts the players to overcome.
“We should open our eyes. Ghanaians should tone down on some of the issues and some of the things that we say that don’t encourage our players because people are sacrificing to play for Ghana.
“People talk about them, people insult them and I think it is time for us to begin to say things that will encourage everybody,” he said on JoyNews’ The Probe.
The Black Stars last won the trophy in 1982, where they beat host nation, Libya on penalties.
Since then, the West African side have managed three final appearances, falling short on each occasion – the recent being the 2015 loss to Ivory Coast on penalty shootout.