Former Ghanaian international and current Bibiani Gold Stars coach, Michael Osei, urges his compatriots to temper their expectations for the Black Stars in what he anticipates to be a challenging tournament hosted in Ivory Coast.
As Ghana gears up to compete among the twenty-four nations participating in AFCON 2023, Osei issues a cautionary message to the fervent Ghanaian public, counseling them to adopt a measured outlook on the team’s performance.
Despite the collective ambition to secure a fifth AFCON trophy, Osei emphasizes the need for realistic expectations given the formidable competition on the horizon.
“It is commendable that we harbor aspirations for our fifth CAN trophy. However, Ghana must manage their expectations,” asserted Osei during a press interaction.
Drawing attention to the fierce competition awaiting the Black Stars, he underscored the challenging nature of the upcoming tournament, suggesting it won’t be a smooth journey for the national team.
“Expecting an easy path for Ghana would be unrealistic, considering the strength of other formidable teams in the competition,” he elaborated, underscoring the need for pragmatism in evaluating Ghana’s prospects.
The Black Stars, despite their consistent presence in the AFCON, have experienced a prolonged title drought since their last victory in 1982. Despite reaching the final on three occasions (1992, 2010, and 2015), Ghana fell short each time, intensifying the yearning for a return to championship glory.
With the weight of a 41-year trophy-less spell, expectations among Ghanaians have risen exponentially ahead of the 34th edition of AFCON.
Osei’s counsel, rooted in his deep understanding of the sport, aims to instill a realistic perspective among fans, fostering a supportive environment for the Black Stars as they embark on their quest for continental supremacy in Ivory Coast.