Former Elmina Sharks coach, Yaw Acheampong has stoutly defended Andre Ayew following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in their final Group game of the 2022 World Cup.
The Black Stars skipper missed a crucial penalty that would have given his side an early lead at the Al-Janoub Stadium.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta‘s quick-fire double later in the half proved to be difference as Ghana finished bottom of Group H and were eliminated from the tournament.
“It was very sad because Messi also missed a penalty. I think Lewandoski also missed a penalty but it’s up to us to be behind the player [Ayew] when something like that happens,” Acheampong, who is a former Ghana international told Citi Sports.
“When Messi missed a penalty, the whole national players were behind him and made sure they motivated the team.
He added, “Motivation has different factors and one of the major factors is the fans and the media.”
“I believe though we lost, people were saying it was because of the penalty. But after the penalty, we had a lot of chances and we should have put the ball in the net so we don’t have to blame everything on the penalty.”
