LOSS TO LIONS SHOCK BOLGA FANS (Graphic Sports, Page 4)

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Bolgatanga

Last Thursday night could aptly be described as the longest night for soccer fans and casual followers of the game in the
Bolgatanga municipality.
Contrary to the wild celebrations that characterised previous matches of the Black Stars in the just-ended Cup of Nations tourney, last Thursday’s defeat to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun virtually put soccer fans in the Bolgatanga municipality to sleep rather too early.
The streets were dead silent and a few people who were spotted could just not comprehend what hit the Stars.
Speaking to the Graphic Sports the morning after the game, a section of the football enthusiasts commended the team for putting up a brave fight against the Camerounians, but bemoaned the missed scoring chances.
Stephen Nsobilah, a teacher, said the absence of a central defender cast in the mould of captain John Mensah who was serving suspension cost the team a great deal.
He was of the opinion that rather than keeping Shilla Illiasu and Ahmed Barusso on the bench, the coach should have brought them on and push Michael Essien into the midfield to create the chances for the attackers to score.
Ms Leah Salifu, a National Service Person, said though very painful, Ghanaians should accept the outcome of the game.
“It’s a game so all must accept the outcome; some teams have taken an early exit and if it’s our turn to go home Ghanaians must accept the results,” she said.
Gifty Amoshie, a radio presenter, said so painful was the defeat that she could not take dinner.
She, however, wished the Stars well in their future engagements.
A stationary dealer who only gave his name as Derrick urged the GFA not to rush into hasty measures, but rather take a critical look at the performance of the team and, if possible, retain the coach to ensure a sustained development performance in the future.