Black Stars defender, Samuel Inkoom, still coming to terms with the team’s disappointing show at the just-ended FIFA World Cup in Brazil, says his teammates are aware they have let down the nation and are, therefore, determined to work hard and hopefully claim next year’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, which is the only way to win back the love and trust of Ghanaians.
The defender told Graphic Sports in an exclusive interview that the manner in which Ghana’s promising World Cup campaign collapsed in Brazil amid reports of player agitation over money and breakdown of discipline in camp made it imperative for the team to return to winning ways and win “something big” to appease Ghanaians and their fans.
“We disappointed fans and ourselves because our fans showed us a lot of love, prayed for us and expected so much from us, but things didn’t turn out the way we all hoped for. The situation was worsened by all the negative stories about players demanding money before playing until it took a call and assurance from President Mahama, so it’s about time we won back the love and trust of Ghanaians,” he said.
“We [players] want to do everything possible to let Ghanaians love us,” added the Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk player who wants the Stars to quickly put the Brazil debacle behind them and look forward into the future with hope.
For the player, who won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2009 and came close to winning the African Cup the following year, after Egypt defeated the Stars 1-0 in the 2010 Nations Cup final in Angola, the Stars must stamp their authority on the continent by winning a fifth Nations Cup title.
“We are hungry to win the African Cup. It’s time to win it because it’s been too long, Ghanaians are hungry for it and can’t wait for another title.
“We need to make history. We have quality players to make that happen but we need to collectively work hard at it and psyche ourselves up that we want to achieve something for Ghana.”
Inkoom, who featured for Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, was an unused substitute at the Brazil tournament despite featuring in the Stars’ pre-tournament matches. Expectedly, Inkoom said he was disappointed at not featuring in Brazil but also recognised that such decisions are the preserve of the coach and does not lose sleep over them.
Inkoom admited there were avoidable problems in camp but as players they had all learnt useful lessons from Ghana’s World Cup campaign, and the best way to bounce back and banish the bitter memories of Brazil was to bring glory to the nation.
“We have quality players and good coaches, but it’s about time we the players made up our minds to go the extra mile to make it at the World Cup. Very often we’ve allowed little problems to get in our way when we have a good chance to progress at tournaments.”
The 25-year-old, featured on loan for Greek side Platanias last season, still has six months remaining on his five-year contract with Dnipro.
