The Ghana national team was founded in 1957, the year of Ghana’s independence from the British imperial regime. Since its establishment the Ghana Black Stars have won African Cup of Nations four times (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982), and CSSA Nations Cup four times (1982-1984, 1986, 1987) - a remarkable achievement in African soccer. Yet Ghana has never claimed a place at the finals of a FIFA World Cup tournament despite nine attempts to date. How do we then explain this wind of change, originating in the west of the continent that has swept Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Angola past their more celebrated peers like South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon? Find out by reading Ghana , the Rediscovered Soccer Might. Watch Out World!—
For Ghana, a place on world football’s greatest stage is long overdue. They have won four CAF African Cup of Nations titles – in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 - and twice captured the FIFA Under-17 World Championship. Moreover, they have produced some of Africa’s most talented footballers down the years including the international ace player Abedi Ayew Pele.
Ghana made a debut in the 1962 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but they were narrowly knocked out by Morocco and in subsequent years they found victory illusive. The 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification was a nightmare for Ghana having ended up in the fourth place behind Nigeria, Liberia and Sudan. Ghana's hopes of reaching the first Asian finals were effectively ended by a 3-1 defeat at home to Liberia and an unconvincing draw against Sierra Leone. The success of the Black Stars ironically comes at a time when they do not have as many big names but instead a youthful team with a disciplined approach fostered by coach Dujkovic, who offered an early statement of his no-nonsense approach. Let’s hope Ghana continues to show up in subsequent FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.
Ghana , the Rediscovered Soccer Might. Watch Out World! does not only contain the history and performance of the Ghana team but also all the teams Ghana played against in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ tournament. In these pages you will also find:
- Brief history of FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.
- Biography of all the players, teams and coaches of the African squad and opponents of Ghana; to wit Brazil, Italy, USA, and Czech Republic.
- History of FIFA World Cup™ Finals since 1930 and Shootouts.
- History of all CAF African Cup of Nations qualifying matches (involving Ghana).
- The biography of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ tournament technical team and a list of all the officiating referees.
In sum the book is very informative. Football (soccer) fans will find it very interesting, entertaining and beneficial.