Inkoom Assures Ghanaians

Samuel Inkoom Following an opening match scare, Kotoko's dependable defender, Samuel Inkoom has assured Ghanaians that the senior national team will lift the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) currently going on in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire.

The player, who was instrumental in the outcome of the first match, intimated that he and his colleagues are “prepared to die for the country and all we need now is the prayers and support of our compatriots”.

In a telephone interview with DAILY GUIDE SPORTS from the Yamoussoukro base of the local Black Stars, Inkoom stressed: “We have overcome the initial scare that characterized our match against Zimbabwe, and we are now very focused.”

The local component of the Black Stars had to fight from two goals down to snatch a vital two-all draw with Zimbabwe in their opening Group B match in Bouake, compelling soccer analysts to write them off as far as the current CHAN is concerned.

But Inkoom said, “Contrary to what everyone is saying we are going to lift this cup,” adding that when the Satellites drew in their first match against Cameroon in the African Youth Championship (AYC) many where those who doubted their ability to win the trophy. “But in the end we brought it home. We are going to repeat that feat here in Cote d'Ivoire,” he emphasised.

On his part, Faisal Awudu, aka NET 2, an ardent supporter of the Black Stars and a member of the Nationwide Supporters Union (NSU), who is currently in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire with other members of his union to support the national team, reiterated the belief that Ghana would lift the trophy.

“All they need now is our support and belief in their ability to deliver.”

He disclosed that due to a few transportation  problems they encountered, “members of NSU and other supporters got to the stadium when the Black Stars were already 0-2 down, but we cheered them on, shouting our voices hoarse until they equalized.”

Faisal paid glowing tribute to leaders of NSU such as Aziz Futa, Alhaji Sumaila, Nene Ocansey, and Outlook Ibrahim among others, commending the Ghanaian Peacekeeping Mission in Cote d'Ivoire, who “provided us with food, water and a comfortable place to sleep”.       

By Mohammed Muniru Kassim