Former Black Stars goalkeeper, Owusu Mensah, has shared an inspiring story of how he rose to the occasion and became Ghana's number one goalkeeper at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Libya.
In a recent interview on the Ernest Bruce Smith Show on YouTube, Mensah recounted the incredible sequence of events that led to him being thrust into the spotlight. With first-choice goalkeeper Joe Carr falling ill and the team lacking confidence in second-choice John Baker, Mensah, who was initially the third-choice goalkeeper, was given the opportunity to shine.
"When I was called to the national team it wasn't a small thing I said I have to work hard John Baker was number and the person next to be in goal. Joseph Carr was sick so Baker was the next and he was stopped by Quarshie (captain) who said I was in form so I have to be in post. A doctor was there and he also spoke to the coaches," Mensah said.
"Opoku Afriyie was there and George Alhassan was also there when they held the meeting so I was there and the doctor came to tell me I should get ready I will be in post. That time I haven't played in an international match before and there I was in Libya the first match I was nervous due to the massive crowd. As a third goalkeeper I was in post from the first game to the last game," he added.
Ghana eventually emerged as champions, defeating hosts Libya in the final at the 11th June Stadium in Tripoli.