African footballers. Former Black Stars goalkeeper, George Owu strongly thinks Ghana can emerge champions of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations if the currently set of players are given the need motivations and backing.
The 4-time African champions booked their tenth consecutive AFCON spot after beating Central African Republic 2-1 last Thursday to finish as winners of Group E in the qualifiers.
There have been fears that the current team has not been performing at their best recently and many have been questioning their team efficiency and believe it will be difficult to end the country’s over forty-year trophy drought at senior level.
Meanwhile, the ex-Kotoko and Hasaacas goalie thinks that in contrary to this, there’s enough quality in the current squad to deliver a trophy to the nations but needs the country’s support and motivation.
“This Ghana team can win the AFCON with the right support and motivation from Ghanaians,” wrote Kick Ghana to quote the players. George Owu passed through our national team ranks before hanging his boot, having featured for the black satellites, Black Meteors and ultimately the Black Stars, all at major tournaments.
Owu was among the only four home-based players to make Ghana’s final squad in their first ever World Cup appearance in 2006 held in Germany.
Who is George Owu?
George Owu (born 7 July 1982) is a Ghanaian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
Owu was born in Accra. He signed for Egyptian Premier League side Al-Masry. He moved from Ashanti Gold. His performances earned him a trial with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur but was not offered a contract.
He returned to his homeland Ghana and signed for Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs in October 2010. In December 2012, it was confirmed that Owu rejoined his first professional club Sekondi Hasaacas on a one-year deal.
He helped Ashanti Gold avoid relegation in the 2017 season.
Owu was part of the Ghanaian 2004 Olympic football team, who exited in the first round, having finished in third place in group B. He played his first game for the Ghana national team on 19 November 2003 and was the second goalkeeper at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2006.
With both Sammy Adjei and Philemon McCarthy injured, Owu played in a qualification match for the 2006 FIFA World Cup against South Africa. He kept a clean sheet helping Ghana secure a 2–0 away win. Owu was also the second goalkeeper for the Germany. He was the goalkeeper for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Ghana.
READ ALSO
AFCON 2023: 5 Super Eagles stars to watch
AFCON 2023: List of countries that have won the AFCON cup
Gambia Football Federation sends delegation to Senegal to assess venue for 2023 AFCON Qualifiers