Ghana’s national football team captain, Andre Ayew, has expressed his remorse for the disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, apologizing to the nation and football enthusiasts. The apology, conveyed through a video on Tuesday night, comes a week after the Black Stars suffered a setback, conceding two late goals against Mozambique and ultimately being eliminated from the tournament hosted in Côte d’Ivoire.
Reflecting on the challenging days since the unexpected exit, Ayew, who plays for Le Havre, acknowledged the difficulty experienced by Ghanaians and football fans. “I would like to apologize for the results of the AFCON that we just exited. We should have done better. We should have achieved better results too,” stated Ayew in his video message.
Assuming responsibility as the team’s captain, Ayew admitted accountability for the on-field happenings during the crucial match. He specifically addressed the penalty he conceded in the dying minutes of regular time, contributing to the team’s struggles. Additionally, Ayew pointed out a mistake by Richard Ofori that led to Mozambique’s equalizing corner.
In his message, Ayew emphasized the resilience required in football, stating, “In Football, these are things that happen. These are things that make you stronger. What doesn’t kill makes you stronger individually and collectively.”
Remaining optimistic, Ayew expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back from the setback, reinforcing the adage, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The captain’s apology and commitment to improvement aim to resonate with fans and foster a sense of unity as the team looks toward future challenges.