Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu has questioned the pessimistic mentality of many Ghanaians about Ghana’s chances of succeeding at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament set to kick off in Yaounde on Sunday.
Contrary to the opinions of many pundits of the game that Ghana are not to be considered one of the favourites to win the AFCON this year, Atsu is of high optimism that the Black Stars chances of lifting the trophy this time is even brighter.
The one time Player of the (AFCON) tournament winner missed out on the tournament for the first time since 2013, after he was not handed a call up for the tournament by coach Milovan Rajevac.
In his stead, Ghana’s 28-man squad for the tournament in Cameroon has about 50% of players who have never tasted the tournament, bringing into concern huge inexperience in the squad. Moreover, with an average squad age of approximately 25, almost ten of the players are yet to make even their second appearance for the Black Stars.
However, the former Newcastle United star has been monitoring the activities of the team closely from his base in Saudi Arabia, and is confident Ghana has a strong team capable of winning the tournament to end Ghana’s 40-year major trophy drought.
“We have a very strong team; people don’t realize it”, Atsu said in an interview with 3news.com.
“We have young players but some people are complaining about their lack of experience. I am surprised people are still complaining about young players, because for me, it doesn’t matter whether you are young or old; it is all about what you can do on the pitch”, Atsu argued.
According to him, young players when given the opportunity to represent their country, have no choice than to prove a point by delivering. They are expected to deliver to satisfaction or risk losing their positions to other deserving players.
“As a young player when you are given the opportunity you must do your best, else you won’t get a second chance unless you are lucky”, he advised.
He added, “We have a very good team, we have to support the team, and we have to expect a lot from them. I heard someone saying we shouldn’t expect a lot from these players, but what are they going to do in the tournament? They have to go and win”.
Atsu has written his name with the Black Stars at the AFCON with indelible mark. He gave out a splendid performance at the 2015 edition of the tournament, where he helped Ghana to reach the finals only to lose to Ivory Coast on penalties.
Atsu was adjudged player of that tournament, and also won the best goal of the tournament.
Ghana will kick off their campaign at this year’s AFCON on Monday, January 10 in a Group C encounter against Morocco.
