John Mensah would be the first player to step out the tunnel at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Sunday when he leads Ghana as captain to a title hunt at the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations.
Being a captain is such an enviable role but carries lots of responsibility. However, the calm but aggressive player says he has enjoyed massive support from regular captain, Stephen Appiah, who was ruled out of the competition due to injury.
John Mensah shares his experience since picking up the armband with www.ghanafa.org and says his colleagues have given him the co-operation needed ahead of Ghana’s battle for a fifth CAN success.
“First, we felt very sad but at the moment everybody is fine. Appiah has been calling and giving us motivation which has boosted our morale and confidence.
“In the team now, everybody is cheerful that we have something important ahead of us and that’s all we are thinking of,” John Mensah told the Ghana Football Association’s website, www.ghanafa.org after Friday’s last training session.
The Black Stars captain says the team’s preparations have been good and every member remains committed to the CAN mission.
“Everything is going on well but we still need prayers and support. It’s not easy but we hope and believe that our commitment and with the spirit that we have in camp everything would be okay.”
Playing on home soil carries some burden of expectation as Ghana get ready to play Group A opponents, Guinea on Sunday. But John Mensah has shrugged off the pressure associated with being hosts.
“Well ask my colleagues. We are all happy. We play among ourselves and share some jokes. It takes our mind off any tension but for me, I have high confidence and I believe everything will be okay,” he says.
And the Black Stars captain believes a win over the Syli Nationale would put Ghana in a good stead for the remaining matches in the tournament.
“Yes. And we have also prepared well and are very positive that we will win against Guinea. By the way, we are not going to underrate them; we are going to play like wounded lions and to get our three points.”