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7 controversial Black Stars moments in 2017
Pulse Sports has compiled seven controversial moments of the Black Stars in 2017.
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The stories are simply aplenty. From the AFCON to the friendly games and then to the World Cup qualifiers; certain moves by players and technical handlers of the Black Stars gave the public something to talk about.
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Whiles some of these controversies led to criticisms, others also brought out a clearer perspective of how things really were.
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So in the end, we could agree that controversies are good – depending on where you stand. And the Black Stars can simply not do without it, at least not in 2017.
1. Asamoah Gyan branding Black Stars captain armband
The biggest controversies involving the Black Stars in 2017 would definitely include that of Asamoah Gyan electing to customize the captain’s armband during Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia.
Gyan sent the entire football community into complete shock after wearing an armband with his face inscribed on it. The real controversy came when he was being substituted and he had to hand it over to deputy Black Stars captain Andre Ayew.
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Ayew walked down to the touchline and took a new armband from the technical bench, sparking huge debate among Ghanaians. It became the most discussed issue in the Ghanaian media for weeks, despite attempts by both parties and Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah to explain that everything was planned from the dressing room.
2. Alleged Gyan vs Ayew war
In a rather uncharacteristic trait of the Black Stars, captain Asamoah Gyan and deputy-skipper Andre Ayew were heavily rumoured to have been on bad terms. The reports became even rifer when the pair were once captured on camera sitting at distance while on national duty.
Both Ayew and Gyan have vehemently denied being at loggerheads with each other, however, the controversy still lingers with many Ghanaians tending to believe that there is something that is not being fully disclosed.
3. Razak Brimah’s outbursts against Ghanaians
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If there is one controversy about the Black Stars that would not be forgotten anytime soon, then it’s that involving goalkeeper Razak Brimah.
The 29-year-old became public enemy no.1 after aiming abusive words at Ghanaians for criticizing his performances for the Black Stars.
Following Ghana’s 2-1 win over DR Congo at the AFCON in January, Brimah took to Facebook to haul all sorts of unprintable words at Ghanaians. According to him, Ghanaians “talk too much” and they should “f***k go to hell”.
Brimah’s unsavory outbursts made him an object of scrutiny, with many Ghanaians calling for his axe from the national team. Unfortunately, he has since not donned that national jersey despite later issuing an unqualified apology.
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4. Gyan retaking penalty and missing
If the Black Stars are controversial, then Asamoah Gyan best personifies the word. The Black Stars captain has always made the headlines with any step he takes, whether good or bad.
In July this year, Gyan was at it again after he intuitively decided to return to penalty-taking duties after a five-year hiatus. The Black Stars were engaged in an international friendly with USA, and were rewarded a penalty with the score line at 1-0.
However, Gyan surprisingly stepped up and missed – a move that pulled him into the headlines for the subsequent weeks. He however made amends by scoring a delightful free-kick in the second half.
5. Avram Grant snubbing Latif Blessing for Bernard Terkpetey
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Once upon a time in 2017, Avram Grant was the most unpopular man in Ghana. The Israeli coach was responsible for a number of scandalous decisions during his time as Black Stars coach.
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The former Chelsea boss particularly drew derision from the majority of Ghanaians after dropping then Ghana Premier League best player Latif Blessing for Bernard Terpketey who had played just three minutes of league football with Schalke 04.
Grant’s decision generated huge controversy among football fans in Ghana, with many immediately raising suspicions over the criteria used in handing call-ups.
6. Kwesi Appiah accused of hating the Ayew
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If the above controversies are not enough, then the allegations that Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah hates the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, should strike something in you.
Surprisingly, these accusations were made by uncle of the Ayew brothers, Sola Ayew, who categorically stated that the only reason why the duo have been dropped is because “Appiah hates the Ayew family”.
The history between Appiah and the Ayew family is one for another day, however, multiple reports claim the Black Stars coach used to be a bitter rival of Abedi Ayew Pele, who is the father of the Ayew brothers.
We cannot tell whether Appiah really hates them or not, but for the purpose of this article, the controversy that the subject brought is what we are focusing on.
7. 'Lord' Edwin Gyimah finally left out of Black Stars squad
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One of the biggest puzzles of 2017 was the constant invitation of Edwin Gyimah into the Black Stars team. The defensive midfielder seems to have found favour with all Black Stars coaches since 2013, despite not contributing so much.
However, the reign of the 'Lord' was finally brought to an end in 2017 following the reappointment of Kwesi Appiah as Ghana coach. Surely, Ghanaians can now be relieved, but the reason why he contsntly found his way into the team is still yet to be unraveled.
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