Ghana’s 12th man: Baba Yara crowd set to inspire Black Stars again
The journey to the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) starts today with the Black Stars playing hosts to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Similar to the electric atmospheres at Anfield, Old Trafford, and other iconic stadiums worldwide, Baba Yara Stadium also erupts in a deafening roar, propelling their team forward.”
For the Black Stars, playing at the Bara Yara Stadium is like having an extra player on the field.
When filled to its brim with 40,000 fans, the deafening cheers create an intimidating atmosphere for any visiting team. It is the reason why Ghana has a strong track record at this venue, with their last defeat dating back to February 2000, when the Black Stars lost to South Africa in the quarter-finals of the AFCON.
In their last 10 games at the Baba Yara, Ghana have maintained their composure with their unbeaten record intact.
With notable victories including an astounding 6-0 win against Egypt during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, and a crucial comeback win over Central African Republic (CAR) to propel the Black Stars to 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast as well as the vital goalless draw against a better-looking Nigerian side in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup qualification playoff – a tie Ghana eventually won on away goals to make their fourth appearance at the World Cup.
These consistent performances, coupled with an inspiring home atmosphere, make Baba Yara the perfect fortress ahead of today’s game.
The support from the home crowd and the high expectations can lift the Black Stars, a sentiment Otto Addo shares.
“Kumasi fans, in my time they never let us down, the last game we were 2-1 down against Central African Republic and they supported us all the way so I don’t worry they are always supportive and they help us and we will need them tomorrow. They could suggest for me[and] keep it up [what they are doing] it is very very helpful they are like our 12th man and we love to play in Kumasi,” he told the media.
It will be interesting to see how the Angolan team used to smaller crowds and intense atmosphere will cope under the pressure.
The stadium’s atmosphere is an undeniable advantage, the pressure to perform in front of a demanding home crowd can also weigh heavily on the Ghanaian players. They will need to stay focused and avoid mistakes early on, as any slip-ups will not be appreciated from the stands.
For Angola, silencing the crowd early with an early goal or creating chances will disrupt the momentum of the Black Stars. The energy from the stands can inspire, but it can also bring immense pressure. Every pass, tackle, and chance will be watched by thousands of fans who expect nothing but victory.
The Black Stars enter this match with a mix of experienced players like Thomas Partey and rising talents like Fatawu Issahaku eager to make an impact.
With coach Otto Addo leading the charge, the team looks to build momentum and secure a crucial win. Backed by the passionate Kumasi crowd, Ghana will aim to deliver a strong performance that reflects their footballing heritage
In this game, the venue will be more than just a location but a factor in shaping the outcome.
Source: 3news
