Black Stars assistant coach cautions against obsession with winning AFCON trophy

By Enoch Fiifi FORSON, Accra

Black Stars assistant coach, Didi Dramani, has cautioned against placing undue emphasis on winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.

In an interview on Akoma FM, Dramani emphasized the importance of a collective and patient approach to success.

The Black Stars, who have not secured an AFCON title since 1982, face a challenging record, having suffered three defeats in their last four games. Despite this, Coach Dramani stressed that the focus should extend beyond winning the trophy.

“I’m not sure there is a country that will participate in the AFCON with the expectation of bringing the cup home; that is not the case,” Dramani said.

“Rather, you try to put things together, and the element of success is not only done today or the way you say it.”

Dramani highlighted the need for a deliberate, consistent, and patient approach in planning for success.

“We must be deliberate, consistent, and patient in how we calculate things.

“The fact that you say you want money does not make you rich, nor does saying you want to go and win make you a winner; it is all about projecting elements of success,” he added.

He emphasized that success is a collective responsibility, not solely the duty of the coach and players.

“People believe that success is solely the responsibility of the coach and the players, but the small contributions made by everyone, particularly the fans jubilating and cheering on the team, contribute to the growth of the sport,” he said.

Dramani urged everyone to bond together and share a vision for the future of football.

The Black Stars are set to face Mozambique, Cape Verde, and record champions Egypt in the group stage in Ivory Coast.

 The coach’s words echo a call for unity and patience as Ghana aims for success in the upcoming tournament.