Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan is hoping that their heroics in their match against Algeria at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations will help them win back the supporters of Black Stars fans back home.
The 29-year-old striker’s goal rescued the Black Stars’ campaign and also their relationship with their supporters back home, who were stinging in their criticism of the team after the first group game loss to Senegal last Monday.
Gyan, who has bad to battle a bout of malaria but proved his country’s hero on Friday with a dramatic last-gasp goal against Algeria, says the win has given his side the necessary drive to face South Africa with renewed confidence.
A broody and sullen group has been transformed into a squad with a spring in their step after they put aside the disappointment of losing in the last minute to Senegal in their opening Group C clash.
The Black Stars relationship with their fans was broken following incidents at the World Cup in Brazil which they are now keen to mend with their performances in the pitch.
Any negativity towards the Black Stars was blow away by Gyan’s 93rd minute goal on Friday and the captain is hoping this will continue.
“All of Ghana are happy now,” he laughed.
“The people of Ghana have been upset with us and we heard the negative criticism before the game but we knew that people were talking out of frustration and anger.
"The fans need to be one with the team. The players need their support. The goal I scored has righted a few things and that’s the most important aspect of it all.”
Ghana have been to each of the last four Nations Cup semi-finals but last won the trophy in 1982 when the tournament was hosted by Libya.