In 1970 the Ghana Black Stars narrowly missed out on winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Sudan as they lost by a single goal to the hosts who scored in the 12th minute of the match.
It was indeed a valiant attempt by the Ghana Black Stars who had braved through the earlier rounds against tough opposition including the Ivory Coast without their oldest and star player of that squad.
The squad of 1970 was packed with all time greats such as Robert Mensah, Joe Ghartey, Oliver Acquah, John Eshun, Ibrahim Sunday, Malik Jabir and Kenneth Owusu, who scored five goals during that Africa Cup of Nations.
As usual, the Ghana Black Stars returned home from Sudan as national heroes for their efforts but there was an issue that remained forgotten, although, initially, it was of great concern to the Black Star management, technical handlers and of course the nation.
There was and still is (may God give him long life) a certain Osei Kofi, who eventually became known as Reverend Osei Kofi and noted for his ability to score goals from corner kicks and work wonders with his dazzling display on the field.
He was selected as part of the squad but refused outright to go, as he was not happy with the money that was on offer at the time.
Reverend Osei Kofi walked out on the Ghana Black Stars� camp declaring that he was going to put his club (Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC) before country because of the shabby way the Sports Council had dealt with national team players. He declared, �The Sports Council should endeavor to give unto Caesar what is for Caesar!� He went on to say that the 78 old Ghana Cedis was �meager� when he took into consideration the fact that he had a wife and three children plus an ailing mother and father.
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