Posted by Former Asante Kotoko center back Issah Ahmed has divulged how he lost his position in the Ghana national team because a teammate whom he alluded to be a foreign-based player at the time used juju on him.
Issah Ahmed was part of the team that represented Ghana at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2006. He formed a solid partnership with John Mensah, but he committed a blunder in Ghana’s final group game against Zimbabwe as Ghana exited the tournament in the group stage.
In spite of that, Issah Ahmed was named amongst the 23 men to represent Ghana at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but he could only earn a place on the bench throughout Ghana’s campaign.
“Many at times we talk about superstition in our local football, African football. It does exist but many people don’t believe that. They will tell you what is juju going to do in football,” he told Pulse.com.gh.
“Juju doesn’t play football for you but sometimes, it does happen. It brings a lot of things to players in our national camp. Many people do those superstitions to get the chance to play in the national team. So what happened to me in 2006. I just don’t want to talk about it, but it was just greedy for someone to think that I took over his position so this is what he can do on me to break me down so that he will take back that position.
“When I was playing everybody could see that I played very well on the local scene, playing for the Black Stars. I deserved to get a call up into the national team.
“Many people thought I had a relationship with Dujkovic, the then coach of the team, but I am telling you today I had nothing with Dujkovic. He came to Ghana and went round the league centres, watched every game and he picked me. He thought I deserve a place in the national team and I did not disappoint him I played to my best.
“For someone to think that you are a local player and you are taking my position, so this is what I will do to bring you down and I take over my position then it is not right.
Issah Ahmed in his playing days played for Great Olympics before joining Asante Kotoko where he enjoyed the best parts of his career. He earned a Black Star call up while playing for Kotoko.
Issah Ahmed also played for Danish top side Randers.