Football speaks several languages: you will be shocked, you will be surprised. You will be wowed, you will be thrilled. These are the literal languages of football and always, yes always, we must be prepared for them.
The outcome of games produces the above behavioural reactions. But how prepared do we go to the stadium for these reactions?
As a football person; either a fan, an administrator or a player, you must always be prepared for the reactions above so you are not taken aback when you are to face the reality.
But all these emotional reactions come with uncountable lessons, no matter how uncomfortable they are.
Ghana’s campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup started with varied reactions: some called for measured expectations and some feature those who felt the team was ready to achieve. No matter where you belong, your opinion must be respected.
However, the lessons from this tournament must not be underestimated.
First, we must look into the future to guide our decision-making process. Patience is the vital element here. Presenting the youngest team at the tournament means the future is promising and must be guided. Looking back at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where Ghana exited amidst the appearance fees controversies, good lessons can be learnt.
In 2014, Ghana was also the youngest team at the tournament in Brazil and following the exit, the team was able to get to the final of the 2015 AFCON only to lose to Ivory Coast through the lottery of penalty kicks. Similar experiences await us if and only if we shall be patient.
Second, this tournament has taught us bitter lessons when it comes to decision-making. Technical lessons from the decisions of coaches have been learnt, administrative lessons have been learnt and moral lessons as well. But look, no matter how we lament this, the game is over and we can’t change the hand of the clock. We only have to pick lessons from it no matter how bitter they will be.
Third, have we soon forgotten the international headlines Ghana made and its effect on tourism because of this tournament? Look, it’s regrettable we have been kicked out but the positives must be built on as we address the few lapses.
It’s painful, but we’re excited! It’s sad considering the hunger of the players but with patience, we shall laugh at last.
