Posted by Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has revealed a huge role Sammy Kuffour played during the team’s campaign at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Mali.
The Black Stars campaign in Mali was engulfed with controversies, chaos and misunderstanding amongst the players and the technical team. Sammy Kuffour was at then sacked from camp as it was alleged that he sneaked out to a night club.
However, the center back recently revealed that he was sacked from camp because he spoke against the terrible living conditions they had to endure at camp.
Derek Boateng, who was a member of the team has in an interview with Starr FM revealed the hardship they went through and how Sammy Kuffour had to encourage some of the players not to leave camp.
“Our worst AFCON experience was at the 2002 in Mali and Sammy Kuffour was a true leader,” Boateng told Starr FM.
“In fact the condition was very bad, the place we slept and the kind of food we ate was so bad.
“He (Sammy Kuffour) was the one who even encouraged some of the players to stay in camp because many had wanted to leave camp in Mali 2002.
“He was always encouraging us and talking to us. He told us we are here for Ghana and that we should forget what we are going through, if not for him most of the players would have left.”
The claims from Derek Boateng attests recent claims from Sammy Kuffour that they had to endure terrible living conditions at the tournament and he was sacked from camp because he spoke against those conditions.
Ghana were knocked out of the tournament after losing 1-0 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Quarterfinals.
Cameroon were eventual winners of the AFCON after defeating Senegal 3-2 on penalties.