Let’s rally behind Black Stars

The Daily Graphic applauds the spirited performance of the Black Stars in last Tuesday’s match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa that earned the team qualification to the quarter finals of the AFCON tournament.

That gallantry has also endeared the team to the hearts of many supporters.

We are humbled by the fact that a good number of Ghanaians took our plea for continued support for the national team, in spite of the team’s ignominious behaviour in Brazil last year.

Indeed, the level of support that Ghanaians showed throughout the match on Tuesday brought fond memories of the past when Ghanaian supporters never rested until the final whistle.

When the Black Stars played last Tuesday, they adopted an attitude that bespoke the unrelenting disposition of Ghanaians, which becomes evident in the worst of circumstances.

But while hope is alive, we as a nation cannot give up We must fight on with every arsenal we can mobilise in the quest to attain glory, not only for our present situation but beyond and all.

The Stars have cruised on to the next stage of the continental tournament, albeit with a lot of difficulties, and they deserve more support now. There must be purgation of ill-feelings and a restoration of that die-hard attitude that was once considered an inalienable disposition of Ghanaians when it comes to football.

Rather strangely, the wearing of Black Stars branded souvenirs seems to be absent. Those who have them choose to keep them under lock and key because they still hold the view that nothing good may come out of the Stars at this tournament.

But we must not forget that when the players play on the field, though they play for their self glory, they also play in the greater interest of the nation. They play to excite their teeming supporters.

Football has become one great uniting national force that has brought us together more than anything one can imagine and, therefore, the loss of confidence in our national team could deal a devastating blow to our national psyche.

Clearly, that is not the desire of a good number of Ghanaians who are prepared to sacrifice their all for the forward march of our great country.

The support that has been rallied behind the Black Stars so far is commendable, but it must not end with our encounter with South Africa.

The Stars have moved to another stage and that demands more support and show of enthusiasm that will motivate our lads to give their best and be willing to die for the country.

The greatest moment in the life of every player is knowing that a huge number of people are behind him, playing the game with him, urging him on and beckoning at every opportunity for a strike that will set their hearts at ease.

The Black Stars are at the crossroads now and their qualification to the next stage requires more commitment from the players and the tactics and strategies that Coach Avram Grant will adopt to outplay their opponents. 

No challenge can stand in our way at the knockout stage, as we believe the players are prepared to give all that they can to sustain the national pride.

Players perform well when supporters rally behind them and that is why Andre Ayew, even when he misses a shot, still signals the supporters to cheer the team on.

The battle has just begun and as we look up to the players to deliver the coup de grace, we also expect them to not break our hearts but conquer all their opponents as they head to the finals.