By Kwame Bediako
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu speaking to GBC Digital Studios expressed his disappointment regarding Ghana’s recent failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades. This setback has left fans and players disheartened, but Agyemang-Badu remains optimistic about the future, particularly with the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March.
“We’re still in the race for the World Cup, and we hope that 2025 will be a very great year for us,” Agyemang-Badu stated. He emphasized the importance of supporting the national team in their quest to redeem themselves after missing out on a major tournament.His words reflect a resilient spirit and a determination to make Ghana proud on the international stage once again.
When addressing how the team could prevent a repeat of the AFCON disappointment ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, Agyemang-Badu encouraged the players to focus on the present. “Well, the past is gone. You need to just concentrate,” he advised, underlining the significance of staying mentally strong during crucial matches. He called for unity and support from fans, reminding everyone that they must rally behind the team regardless of the outcomes.
Agyemang-Badu also noted the challenges faced by the younger generation of players, highlighting that excessive pressure could be detrimental to their performance. He believes that the support from fans and former players is essential in alleviating some of that pressure. “We need to eat a bit of pressure for them,” he said, stressing the importance of creating an environment where these young talents can thrive.