Black Stars head coach Charles Akonnor has come out in defense of goalkeeper Razak Abalora after his costly mistake in Tuesday’s international friendly against Morocco.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper spilled Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick in the 68th minute that was punished by the hosts at the FAR Sportive stadium in Rabat.
Jawad El-Yamiq pounced on the lose ball to score the only goal of the match to give the Atlas Lions a narrow win against the Black Stars.
“He has made a mistake, he knows himself but we are not in the position to kill him. We need each and every one to be at good level. Yes, we have to move on, we have to encourage him” the manager said in his post-match presser.
Abalora has been under scrutiny ever since his Black Stars debut, but Akonnor insists he is a good goalkeeper who needs to be encouraged.
“He is a good goalkeeper. No doubt about that. We will not kill him; we will encourage him on how to improve’.
The Black Stars will play another friendly against Ivory Coast at the Cape Coast stadium on Saturday, June 12, 2021.
