AFCON 2002: Samuel Osei Kuffour opens up on why he was sacked from camp

Legendary Ghana defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour has disclosed that he was shown the exit during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Mali for speaking against the living conditions at camp.

Kuffour was sacked from Ghana's camp after the team's opening game against Morroco following a report that he sneaked out to a night club.

However, 18 years on, the Bayern Munich legend has shared his side of the story, revealing that he paid the undeserved price for speaking the truth.

“Nobody was able to tell them that what they were doing was wrong, and I was so glad that the late Ben Kofi apologised to me after the competition,” Kuffour told GTV Sports plus.

“When he was launching his book I was there and he told me he was sorry. At my mother’s funeral he also apologized and said the way I was sacked from the camp was wrong.”

He went on to address the speculation: “And they even said I went to the night Club which was not true because there was no night club even at where we were staying.

“I never regret being bold because I was concerned that some of the players could even catch some serious disease.

“Black Stars were eating by the roadside, a chop bar, you can ask any player.

“Why did Michael Essien leave the camp and went back? Has anybody asked this question before? The players were not happy with the situation,” Kuffour concluded.

Ghana performed poorly as they exited the competition at the quarter-final stage after losing 1-0 to Nigeria.