The Black Stars of Ghana have landed in USA preparing for another shot on football’s biggest stage.
Two influential voices have weighed in on the team’s prospects with measured optimism and a clear sense of purpose.
Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien, speaking in an interview, expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to advance past the group phase, a feat the country last celebrated in 2010. Reflecting on the team’s disappointing campaign in Qatar, Essien noted that expectations remain high among Ghanaians.
I think the team has the quality to make it out of the group phase,” Essien said. “They were disappointing in Qatar, and the nation expects the boys to do well. If they can make it out of the group stage and progress to the next round… I am sure the nation will be happy. I have high hopes.”
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead but welcomed the skepticism surrounding the team.
We have to prove ourselves and we have to show that we have quality, and we have to be ready for the challenge,” Ayew stated. “We all know it’s going to be difficult, but we are ready.
Obviously, I know people don’t think that we will do well, so that is good. I like it when people think like that. We will see when we get there.”
