Ghana’s legendary footballer and a two-time AFCON winner in 1963 and 1965, Rev Osei Kofi has shared insights into the events surrounding Ghana's participation in the 1972 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Sudan.
The Black Stars reached the final but were defeated 1-0.
Reflecting on the tournament, Rev. Osei Kofi expressed confidence that his presence could have altered the outcome.
"I know if I went to Sudan [1972 AFCON], we would have won it," he asserted. This sentiment was echoed by the late Kwasi Owusu, a former teammate.
"Recently, Kwasi Owusu before he died said, 'Osei [Kofi] is troublesome, but if he was part of the 1972 group for the AFCON in Sudan, we would have won it.' They lost the final 1-0," Kofi recounted.
However, the disappointment of losing the final was compounded by an unusual turn of events during the medal presentation ceremony. Rev. Kofi disclosed that Ghana did not receive their silver medals due to a procedural mishap.
"Instead of the president to present the silver medals to Ghana first, he presented the gold medals to the winning team, so Ghana did not get the silver," he revealed.
This oversight led to significant frustration among the Ghanaian contingent.
"Somebody sneaked to tell the president that the Ghanaians are furious that they didn't even receive the silver medals so that night, they were deported back to the country," Rev. Kofi added, highlighting the abrupt end to Ghana's AFCON 1972 campaign.
Rev. Osei Kofi's account sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Ghanaian football history, underlining both the highs and lows experienced by the Black Stars during their pursuit of continental glory.
Latest Stories
-
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
3 minutes -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
10 minutes -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
1 hour -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
3 hours -
Kwame Boafo Akuffo: Court ruling on re-collation flawed
3 hours -
Samuel Yaw Adusei: The strategist behind NDC’s electoral security in Ashanti region
3 hours -
I’m confident posterity will judge my performance well – Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Syria’s minorities seek security as country charts new future
4 hours -
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo re-appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana
4 hours -
German police probe market attack security and warnings
4 hours -
Grief and anger in Magdeburg after Christmas market attack
4 hours -
Baltasar Coin becomes first Ghanaian meme coin to hit DEX Screener at $100K market cap
5 hours -
EC blames re-collation of disputed results on widespread lawlessness by party supporters
5 hours -
Top 20 Ghanaian songs released in 2024
5 hours