Black Stars must be given time to thrive – Former Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila

Former Ghana international Rashid Sumaila believes the Black Stars will come good with time.The West African powerhouse, who are four-time winners of the AFCON are on the verge of failing to qualify for the continental showpiece to be staged in Morocco next year after falling short to Sudan in a double-header.Speaking to Koforidua-based Bryt FM, the former Asante Kotoko star is urging fans’ patience for the team to excel for the country.We have to learn from our mistakes. We fell to Sudan but that is not the end. I will plead with the leadership to put things in order for the betterment of the national team. This is not the time to apportion blames. We just have to do the right things and I think the national team will come goodOur players are doing well for their clubs in Europe but we are not seeing same with our national team. We have to strategize and give the Black Stars time to perform. Its about the coach maintaining a chunk of the squad and ensuring consistency for the team thriveWe have to groom the core Black Stars and Im sure it will pay off. 50 percent of the current squad must be maintained. There should be consistent Black Stars just like previous years. Avram Grant performed with the Black Stars because he had a squad that played together for yearsThe Black Stars returns to action next week to face Angola and Niger in their final Group F games. Ghana will travel to face Angola in Luanda on November 15 before playing host to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18, 2024.Ghana now needs to secure wins against already-qualified Angola and Niger, while hoping that Sudan falters against these same opponents, to keep their chances alive for next years tournament in Morocco.