FEATURE: Sulley Muntari's apology to Ghanaians might be unfeigned but his timing has exposed him to unmilled opportunism

The former AC Milan midfielder has finally apologised to the Ghana Football Association and Ghanaians for his shameful conduct during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

But doing this albeit the Black Stars's qualification to the 2017 AFCON tournament would leave many to think he is an opportunistic character.

The 31-year-old was dismissed from Ghana's camp in Brasilia along with firebrand Kevin-Prince Boateng who reportedly attacked then Ghana head coach Kwesi Appiah and swore at him.

Muntari was expected to render an apology for his conduct but the Al Ittihad midfielder waited for two years as he felt he was fighting for the entire team and did nothing wrong.

The Ghanaian football fraternity has greeted the influential midfielder's apology with mixed reaction with former Ghana Olympic coach J E Sarpong kicking against recalling the former Portsmouth and Inter Milan star to the national team though he wants his apology accepted.

But 2001 FIFA U20 World Cup Ghana coach E K Afranie insists Muntari is still relevant to the West African giants because of his rich vein of experience.

Muntari has courted troubles while in the Black Stars and a section of Ghanaian fans feel he belongs to the old era of Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Muntari, Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng - Old Era

Muntari, Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng have not had any place in Ghana's team since the botched 2014 World Cup campaign.

Essien was not linked to any of the troubles but issued a statement suggesting there was a crack within the Black Stars team. The former Chelsea man labelled the Bison has had playing time problems at club level since joining AC Milan and leaving to join Greek side Panathinaikos. Portland Timbers goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey who has recently ended his self-imposed exile also granted interview in his native Norway expressing support for the trio.

Boateng, who was making his second FIFA World Cup appearance, is noted for sparking problems within the Ghana national team and is not expected to be handed a place in the Ghana team soon.

Essien and Muntari played crucial roles in all three of Ghana's World Cup appearances. Ghana's midfield featuring the pair along with Stephen Appiah and Juventus star Kwadwo Asamoah was regarded as the best in Africa and one of the best on the globe after qualifying Ghana to three straight FIFA World Cup appearances and reaching five semi-final berths in the AFCON since 2008.

Ghana flourished within their era and was once the number one ranked country in Africa according to the FIFA Coca-Cola rankings.

However Ghana has survived beyond the Essien, Appiah,  Muntari and Boateng giving promise under a new generation.

The New Era 
China-based Asamoah Gyan was confirmed captain of the Black Stars after Stephen Appiah's retirement with Andre Ayew and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu being named his first and second in-command respectively.

Gyan excelled at the 2014 World though Ghana was blowy with expectations but shouldered Ghana to the final of the 2015 AFCON where the Black Stars painful succumbed to shoot out defeat against Ivory Coast.

In his absence Andre Ayew has held the forts with great dexterity and he exemplified he readiness last weekend when he led Ghana to qualify for the 2017 AFCON after beating Mauritius at Port Louis. Gyan was absent with injury and the Premier League star demonstrated great leadership as Ghana claimed a 2-0 win.

Timing and Opportunism

Muntari's friend, Kevin Boateng, who resigned from the Ghana national team in 2010 after the World Cup and returned to play in the 2014 World Cup is regarded by most Ghanaians as an opportunistic footballer, using the Ghana national team twice to save his dying career.

Muntari other the other was released by AC Milan and had to settle for lowly Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.

With Ghana's participation in next January's tournament secured Muntari is obviously seeking to use the Black Star's platform to revive his dying career. He's still 31 and got a lot of football in him. He's quite aware that excelling with Ghana in Gabon will offer him an opportunity to return to Europe.

But Ghana coach Avram Grant has stated there's no room for gatecrashers in his squad for the competition even though he's believed to be a long-standing admirer of the Uefa Champions League winner and would hand him an opportunity in his squad if he's cleared by the Ghana FA.

Black Stars Better Off without Muntari?
There are still lasting memories of Muntari's gripping shows for Ghana. His trademark distance shooting ability is a unique signature though Las Palmas's wing-man Wakaso Mubarak has shown a glimpse of that quality.

Muntari has vast experience playing for various top class European sides including Milan rivals Inter and Milan. His exposure at the numerous AFCON tournaments and three World Cup competitions would be crucial for Ghana.

But he could still stoke fire and break the cord of unity and renewed team spirit.

We either assure ourselves we have the competent hands to manage Muntari's ever boiling tempers or we should permit the growing of a new era under Asamoah Gyan,  Andre Ayew and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu are they try to regain the public's confidence.

By El Akyereko
Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial