When the Blackstars of Ghana kick off their 2022 world cup campaign against Portugal on the 24th November, it will be the 4th time Ghana has been represented at football's most prestigious tournament.
When Ghana first appeared at the World Cup in 2006, the Blackstars made it out of the group to the round 16. Eliminated by Brazil.
At the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa, Ghana was the only African team to reach the quarterfinals and was close to reaching the semifinals until a Luis Suarez handball followed by Asamoah Gyan's penalty miss ended a daring dream.
Then came the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Ghana; once again represented by the Blackstars headed by coach Akwesi Appiah seeking to improve upon the team's quarterfinals finish in 2010.
Unfortunately, the whole nation was disgraced through vessel Blackstars of Ghana. Several off field incidents coupled with bad performances on the field ended Ghana's tournament as the Blackstars failed to make it out of the group stage. Our worst since our first appearance.
The display that put Ghana in the news all over world for the negative reasons led to the formation Moses Foh Amoaning commission of enquiring.
The commission's work was to invite football people who headed Ghana top football offices to give accounts and seek solutions moving forward.
Not to dwell on the past, the commission failed as the people tasked with making rules to change our game couldn't come up one solution.
Then came the Anas expose that cleared most rot and corrupt football people. Notably,the then GFA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi.
When Ghanaians saw the rot and corruption in Ghana's football,almost everyone that cared and was passionate about the Blackstars begun to care less.
When the current GFA president,Kurt Okraku was appointed, he came up with the slogan "bring back the love".
"Bring back the love" because Ghanaians had seen enough and lost whatever interest they had in the senior national team.Attendance on matchdays reduced drastically and even those who attended matches were either less busy or were given free tickets.
In fairness, the people who can bring back the love (Blackstars) keep breaking the hearts of millions they seek love from.
At the recent AFCON hosted by Cameroon, Blackstars had a real opportunity to win if not all hearts,at least some. An opportunity they squandered and ended whatever relationship they have with Ghanaians.
The Blackstars were winless in 2022 until they faced Nicaragua in a friendly a month ago. A game they uncomfortably won.
Heading into the upcoming World Cup, Ghanaians still careless about the national team and there are some who are waiting for an early exit from the Mundial.
Even those who have hope in the national team are basing their arguments on the fact that players like Inaki Williams,Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey's addition can inject some new energy into the the old foes to help them excel.
When the Blackstars set off to Qatar for a fifth World Cup appearance after failing to qualify in 2018,it will be another chance to bring back the love they seek or lose the love forever.
Ball is in their court!
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