Ghana coach Charles Kwablah Akonnor says he will not focus hugely on winning Ghana it’s fifth Afcon title but rather improving the team.
The Black Stars have endured a series of near misses since winning the last of their four titles in 1982. The first three trophies came in 1963,1965 and 1978.
Akonnor took over the reins in January, replacing James Kwasi Appiah whose contract with the Ghana FA expired on 31st December 2019 after the AFCON tournament.
Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, the former Ghana Captain said ”I dont want that to be my main focus, my focus is to try as much as I can to improve the team and once the team imporoves we will get there, don’t forget we have been in the final a couple of time, it means that we are not far from there.
He added ”I followed the team as scout, I have followed the team in so many ways, One I was an ambassador when we went to Brazil so I difenatetly know waht it takes to change certain things but I don’t to be talking about winning the Afcon.
”It’s a way of putting pressure on myself but of course I would want to acheieve something.”
Commenting further, the former Asante Kotoko gaffer said ”I want to be remembered as the one who brought the AFCON home.”
Akonnor’s debut game with the Black Stars in a 2021 Afcon qualifying double-header against Sudan in March had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Ghana, four-time African champions, finished third and second respectively in 2008 and 2010 before making consecutive fourth-placed appearances at Gabon/Equatorial Guinea in 2012 and South Africa 2013.
At Equatorial Guinea 2015, Ghana, under former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, came mighty close once again, this time losing to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties in the final.
In 2017, the Black Stars ended the tournament in fourth position but failed to make the quarter-finals of the championship for the first time since 2006 at Egypt 2019 where they succumbed to Tunisia on penalties in the Round of 16.
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I don't want my main focus to be winning the AFCON but rather improving the team. Once the team improves, we'll get there – C.K Akonnor #StarrChat pic.twitter.com/AxaI13Klw1
— #CheersHealthWalk (@Starr1035Fm) August 12, 2020