CK Akonnor dismisses AFCON pressure talks

Ghana Black Stars head coach CK Akonnor, has dispelled widespread suggestions that he is being pressured to end the country’s over three decades wait for a trophy in the upcoming  2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament slated for Cameroon.



The Black Stars were pitted alongside North African giants, Morroco, Gabon, and Comoros Island in Group C in the recently held draw in Cairo, Egypt.

This draw has raised loads of opinions from lovers of the game, who feel now is the time for the senior national team led by Akonnor to bring an end to the trophy hoodoo. 

But the former Wolfsburg captain in a media interview with Accra-based TV3 disclosed he’s not under pressure as widely speculated. 



“I think the draw is okay. I didn’t come here [to Cameroon] with expectations of which group I want to be in or not. Nowadays football is evolving and so you cannot expect weaker things.

“We are preparing feverishly for the tournament and the world cup qualifiers and I’m sure we will be ready,” he said.

“I am not under any pressure [to win the tournament]. You guys [the media] give me pressure back home but for me, I don’t care.”

The Black Stars will open their campaign on January 10 against Morocco, a side that beat them 1-0 in an international friendly in June.

“I think we had a strong friendly game with Morocco a few months ago and thank God they are in our group. It gives us an idea of the opponent. I am thankful to the Ghana FA for organizing the friendly,” Akonnor added.

Ghana will begin their quest starting with  Morocco, Gabon, and later  Comoros Islands.

Ghana are yet to win a major trophy since 1982