Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah has urged Ghanaians not to lose faith in the national team, insisting the players remain determined to restore pride despite Tuesday’s painful 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The left-back accepted responsibility for Ghana’s dramatic collapse at the Accra Sports Stadium, where the Black Stars squandered a two-goal advantage to suffer their second consecutive Group C defeat.
Despite the setback, Mensah believes the team still has time to turn its campaign around.
“We have the chance to do it again and to make people happy again,” he said.
Mensah admitted the result was a bitter disappointment, acknowledging that Ghana failed to perform at the required level despite making a bright start to the contest.
“As captain today, I also take responsibility for everything that happened on the field. We have to protect the boys and protect the national team. We can take the criticism and everything that is supposed to come to us,” he stated.
The Black Stars captain attributed part of the team’s struggles to the inexperience within the squad, noting that several players were making their first appearances for the senior national team.
According to him, adapting to the demands of international football with Ghana goes beyond talent and requires understanding the passion, expectations and responsibility that come with wearing the Black Stars jersey.
“Playing for Ghana, where everybody lives off football, is completely different from club football. Everybody is happy when Ghana wins a game. I think that was the part we were missing,” Mensah explained.
The defender also pointed to the team’s reaction after scoring their second goal as evidence that there is still plenty to learn, stressing that developing the right mentality and game management cannot happen overnight.
While acknowledging the disappointment surrounding the national team, Mensah praised the players who honoured their call-ups, insisting they deserved recognition for stepping forward during a difficult period.
He explained that several senior players missed the international window through injury rather than a lack of commitment, while those who answered the call showed courage by representing Ghana under intense pressure.
“At some point we should also appreciate them. As captain, I am proud of them for not hiding and for coming out to play for Ghana,” he said.
Mensah admitted significant improvements are needed but expressed confidence in the quality within the squad, adding that rebuilding the Black Stars will require commitment, urgency and the right mentality from everyone involved.
“There is some urgency and some spirit we need to have when we play for Ghana. In the end, we have a whole lot to learn,” he added.
Despite successive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, the skipper said he remains proud of his teammates for continuing to answer the call to represent their country and believes the Black Stars can still rebuild and make Ghanaians proud once again.
