Ghana government has made giant strides in resolving issues of Black Galaxies bonuses by paying their outstanding arrears ahead of the Sudan clash in the 2023 Championship for African Nations (CHAN).
The payment of the qualification bonuses of the Black Galaxies over delayed but the deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Evans Opoku Bobbie has confirmed all entitlements have been paid.
Ghana booked qualification September 2022 after beating sworn-rivals, Nigeria on penalties to end their six-years absence at the CHAN tournament.
In a meeting with the team after defeat to Madagascar, Evans Opoku Bobbie said,“The Honorable Minister of Youth & Sports Hon Mustapha Ussif has asked me to encourage you to fight on and qualify for the next stage of the tournament’
“The nation is still behind you and we are confident you can make it”
“As a way of motivating you, government has fulfilled all outstanding entitlements due to the team and we are also ready redeem all promises when you make it to the next round”.
He further urged the players to put Sunday’s setback behind them and focus on what is ahead of them
“Don’t be discouraged. You have an opportunity to correct what happened the last time”.
“The nation has confidence in you. In life we all make mistakes but what is ahead of us is most important.”
The Black Galaxies of Ghana chances of progressing to the knockout phase is in limbo after suffering a defeat in their opening game.
The home-based national team who started the game as favourite suffered a 2-1 defeat against debutants Madagascar on Sunday night.
Madagascar shot into the lead after just 12 minutes into the encounter through Solomampionona Koloina.
The South Western country doubled their lead in the 61st minute mark through Tokinantenaina Olivier.
Seven minutes later, substitute Augustine Agyapong netted a consolation goal for Ghana but it could not inspire the Black Galaxies to come from behind to earn anything out of the clash.
The win sends Madagascar to the summit of Group C with 3 points, with Sudan occupying the second spot without a point.
Meanwhile, Ghana is without a point following the defeat to Madagascar. The team’s chances of qualifying look slim.
Annor Walker’s side must beat Sudan at all cost and wait for the outcome of other group game between Madagascar and Sudan.
Ghana’s group opponent Morocco is out of the tournament due to political tension between them and Algeria.
At the moment, Group C consist of only three teams: Ghana, Madagascar, and Sudan, with two teams expected to advance to the next round
Ghana must now prepare for the second Group C match against Sudan on January 19.