This is the first time Ghana have gone out in the AFCON group stages since 2006 in Egypt.Such an atrocious outcome has shocked the entire nation, considering the fact they were labelled as one of those dark horses of the tournament. However, instead of reaching the Round of 16 at least, the Black Stars have already returned home, and some of them, like Thomas Partey of Arsenal, flew straight to their clubs abroad.AFCON 2021 day ten: Black Stars don’t shineIn the meantime, lots of analyses have been spreading around, and most of them agree that the problem lies in the dugout.One of those who raised his voice is a former Black Stars go-to guy and a Premier League mainstay John Paintsil. He was a Ghanian international for 12 long years and earned 89 caps during that period. Paintsil – once featured for EPL teams such as Leicester, Fulham and West Ham – thinks the mistake was made ahead of the AFCON with the choice of the gaffer.AFCON 2021: Historic victory for the Comoros, disappointing Ghana are headed home”We started with a local coach, CK Akonnor, a former Black Stars captain, who was coaching the boys at the start of the qualifying stage.”But, after their second qualifying game, he was replaced by Milovan Rajevac. I don’t think Rajevac did many things wrong, but, as a team, we didn’t play enough.”He joined with only a few months to go until the tournament. It was not enough time to get his players together.”There were no friendlies, just the remaining two qualification matches and a two-week training camp before the tournament. Our preparation was not enough.”A sigh of disappointment from the Black Stars campThe cohesion was not present, thinks Paintsil, and emphasizes there’s no hunger among the contemporary Black Stars.”This Nations Cup exit, as an ex-player, makes me feel so disappointed. I can’t say it is embarrassing to finish last because we lost to Comoros. Football’s dynamic has changed these days, and every football nation needs to be respected.”This Comoros team came and proved themselves on the world stage.”We are not embarrassed because of our opponents. We are embarrassed because Ghana is a big football nation, not just in Africa but across the world. Put simply, we should not have exited at the group stage.”AFRICA CUP OF NATIONSTHU: 19.00: (3.40) SIERRA LEONE (2.80) EQU. GUINEA (2.65)THU: 19.00: (3.25) IVORY COAST (3.60) ALGERIA (2.60)THU: 22.00: (1.32) MALI (5.20) MAURITANIA (13.0)THU: 22.00: (4.00) GAMBIA (3.10) TUNISIA (2.20)
