According to former Black Stars defender John Paintsil, the 2022 team is more stable than the one from the 2014 World Cup.
Ghana will make its first appearance on the international stage since losing in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The protest over unpaid bonuses that resulted in the firing of two players from camp was the highlight of their elimination.
In contrast to the 2014 team, Paintsil claims that the current group has received the proper guidance and that the financial situation appears stable.
“I believe the situation now is stable because you can see from when we played Nigeria here and the away game. The system has been put in place and I believe that mistakes have been rectified. The FA and the board of directors have done well. The Ministry of Sports has also stepped in,” Paintsil said.
In order to prevent a repeat of the 2014 episode, he also suggested that the players and management hold a meeting to clarify each other’s responsibilities at camp.
“So I believe that the players and the management have to sit down and agree on one thing, (which is) why they are going for the tournament and why they have to be there. They need to know all that and I strongly believe we are not going to face the 2014 saga again.”
Sulley Muntari and Kevin Prince Boateng were kicked out of camp at the 2014 World Cup for flagrant disobedience.
During a heated disagreement, Sulley is alleged to have assaulted a member of the management committee.
Prior to their last group match against Portugal, the Black Stars players threatened to skip practice in protest at not being paid their appearance money.
Asamoah Gyan described in his book ‘The LeGyandary’ as a ‘silent protest’.
One day before Ghana’s match versus Portugal, the country’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, flew cash to pay the players.
Ghana exited the group stage with just one point after losing 2-1 against a team that included the United States, Germany, and Portugal.
The draw which was their best result came against Germany.
Ghana will participate in the 2022 edition, which will be hosted by Qatar, after missing the 2018 edition, which was held in Russia.
