Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says the team is on a mission to make Ghanaians proud as they prepare for Thursday’s must-win 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia, insisting the squad understands the task at hand and is determined to repay the faith and support of the people of Takoradi with a performance to remember.
Speaking to the press in Takoradi on Wednesday ahead of the qualifier, Thomas-Asante reflected on the pride of representing Ghana once again, the support from the fans, and the team’s approach to the double-header.
Here is what he had to say:
On how it feels to represent Ghana once again
I think no matter how many times you come, I understand it. For me, it’s been a certain amount, for players who have been here for longer. But everyone really is always appreciative of the opportunity and wants to make the people proud, which is our number one priority. We understand there are two very important games this week, and with all of the advice of Coach Kim and the staff, it’s been a really useful week so far. We want to put that into practice tomorrow as well.
On the support from the people of Takoradi
For me, the support is always something that I appreciate and it’s something that, honestly, not every moment is easy as a football player. In the difficult moments, that’s something that I want to repay, that support and that faith. I always put my best foot forward. Tomorrow is another opportunity to be here. It’s a real blessing because even when we got off the bus for training, you could feel the atmosphere. There’s an energy. It’s a change. It’s positive. We also recognise that there’s support all across the country. To be able to have these two games here is a blessing.
On writing a script in Takoradi
We want to make sure that we give them a show that everyone wants to see. On a personal note, I’d rather show than tell what I do, but I hope that people have been able to see over a period of time the energy and the passion that I bring on the pitch, mixed with always being a goal threat and also like to put on a show for the fans as well. I think that’s part of the Ghanaian way of making football beautiful. It’s what I’ve enjoyed when I was a child watching the Black Stars and it’s what I want to continue whilst I’m here. It’s early days. I’ve got a lot more to show everybody, but I’m here to enjoy the ride and make it one that we can all enjoy.
On approach
Yeah, for me, from the players’ perspective, I think I was filled with confidence and ambition and hope because even on the first breakfast that everyone was together, there’s an opportunity for everyone to catch up, to ask, we’re brothers, so we ask how everyone’s doing, how’s home life, how’s family? But very quickly, the conversation was, we understand the task that’s at hand, everyone’s on mission. So, I feel like when I heard those things and what happened in those conversations, it filled me with a real sense that we’re not here to joke around or anything like that.
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