The team manager for the Black Stars during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, Malik Jabir, has revealed why Samuel Osei Kuffour was sacked from camp the camp of the Black Stars at the time.
The former Asante Kotoko and Bayern Munich defender was astonishingly sent home during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations for breaking camp rules.
According to Mr Jabir, Osei Kuffour was a bad influence on his teammates and showed no remorse for failing to obey the rules in camp for visiting a nightclub.
“Yes, I sacked him from camp, it’s about time our Ghanaians coaches take responsibility for their actions, Malik Jabir told Kumasi-based Angel FM.
“We drew against Sudan in our first match. We the technical team were there around 11:00 pm when the South African coach came and asked us whether we came for a funfair or what.
“He said we should go to the disco and that some of our players were there. I asked Oti Akenteng and Osam Duodu to go and verify while I stay behind. When the players saw them they took to their heels but Kuffuor never did.
“When he was questioned, he said even in Germany they go to the nightclub. The coaches returned but not with Kuffour. He came around 4:30 am and he was immediately sacked from camp,” Malik revealed.
Ghana made it out of the group with South Africa tied on 5 points, however, the four-time AFCON winners’ dream of annexing their 5th trophy was shuttered when Nigeria beat them 1-0 at the quarter-finals.
The 2002 Africa Cup of Nations was held in Mali.