Muntari gets great reception from opposition fans as Hearts of Oak play Tamale

Normally, playing away from home in football leads to a hostile reception from the home fans. Boos, insults and ironic cheers are the norm for visiting players. However, some players are so special that even the opposition supporters like them. 

Ghanaian legend Sulley Muntari signed for Ghanaian club Heart of Oak recently and he made his debut against Great Olympics. His team were defeated 1-0, but it was great to see the former AC Milan, Deportivo La Coruna and Albacete man back in the action. The 37 year-old had been without a club since leaving Albacete back in 2019

This Sunday, Heart of Oak travelled to play Real Tamale United at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, but Muntari, who played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups for Ghana, was given a terrific reception by everyone. Every touch of the ball was greeted with cheers and applause. It was a rare sign of unity in a sport where admiring opposition players is frowned upon. 

Muntari earned 70 caps for Ghana and was part of the team which reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 only to lose to Uruguay in a penalty shootout. 

Going back to the match this Sunday, Muntari played for 81 minutes before being replaced and the match ended goalless. Hearts of Oak ended the game with 10 men after Caleb was sent off for two bookable offences.

 

February 13, 2022