Ghana international Albert Asaase has revealed that Ghana’s victorious 1982 Africa Cup of Nations squad received very little reward after lifting the continental title in Libya.
The former Asante Kotoko midfielder, who featured in every match as the Black Stars claimed their fourth AFCON crown, said the players returned home expecting recognition but were rewarded only with transport back to their homes.
Speaking in an interview with a renowned Ghanaian journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Asaase compared Ghana’s rewards with those promised to the host nation, Libya.
“After bringing the trophy home, Rawlings rewarded us with only a salute since he was a military man and gave us only transportation back to our various homes. That was it.”
“Meanwhile, Libya, whom we defeated, were promised $20,000 plus cars.”
Despite the modest reward, Asaase said winning the tournament remains one of the proudest moments of his career.
“I played two AFCONs and won one.”
Asaase was a key member of Ghana’s last AFCON-winning team in 1982, a squad that also included the legendary Abedi Pele and etched its name into the country’s football history by defeating hosts Libya in the final.
