Augustine Arhinful has addressed the altercation between Jordan Ayew and Lawrence Ati-Zigi following Ghana’s defeat to Sudan, urging calm and understanding from the public. He highlighted that such emotional responses are typical after significant losses and emphasized the need for the team to focus on underlying issues that affect their performance.
In the aftermath of Ghana’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, seasoned footballer Augustine Arhinful has responded to the reported altercation between teammates Jordan Ayew and Lawrence Ati-Zigi. In an interview, he urged the public to remain calm regarding the incident, acknowledging the emotional toll that a defeat can take on players. Although he was unaware of the specific triggers of the confrontation, Arhinful emphasized that emotional responses are typical in sports, particularly following significant losses. He stressed that such occurrences should not be blown out of proportion and that the team faces deeper issues requiring attention. Arhinful further elaborated, stating that every player naturally experiences distress upon losing. He noted, “No one would be happy if they lose a battle. I don’t really know what triggered the action in Benghazi after the match. Sometimes emotions are high, especially when we have lost a game.” He highlighted Jordan Ayew’s seniority in the squad as a potential factor for his reaction, adding, “It could also be that there was some misunderstanding in communication, so we should not dwell so much on it. It happens plenty, but the problems in the team go beyond what we saw.”
The incident involving Jordan Ayew and Lawrence Ati-Zigi transpired shortly after the Black Stars’ defeat to Sudan during a critical qualifier match held in Libya. Video footage revealed the two players engaged in a heated exchange requiring intervention from their teammates. This altercation unfolded as they prepared to depart the playing field, underscoring the impact of the match outcome on player morale. The defeat has significant implications for Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, placing the team under considerable pressure as they sit third in their group with only two points from four matches.
In summary, Augustine Arhinful called for understanding and restraint from fans regarding the incident between Ayew and Ati-Zigi, framing it as a normal byproduct of the emotions stirred by a painful defeat. He underscored the necessity for the team to confront underlying issues that extend beyond immediate frustrations on the pitch, signaling a need for collective resolution and stronger communication among the players as they strive for upcoming matches to salvage their qualifying campaign.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
