What next for the apologetic Black Stars after their habitual failure to end Afcon drought ?another saying of "We are sorry"?

After yet another shocking display at the Afcon 2017 tournament,where does this leave Black Stars and Ghana football ?

Yet one more consistent woeful performance against the indomitable lions of Cameroon in the semi-final of the just ended Africa cup of nations continues counting with Ghana's 35-year long wait to end Afcon drought as Cameroon defeated Egypt in the grand finale to conquer Africa and emerged champions of Afcon 2017 for the 5th time in Gabon.

Once again, the Black Stars flew home with their tails between their legs,with no trophy to show Ghanaians as they placed 4th, losing to Burkina Faso for the third place.

Immediately after the tournament, coach Avram Grant ended his two-year contract and left the fate of Ghana football in limbo.

So what now ?

There will always be questions and finger pointings but trust the over-pampered Black Stars to conjure a well packaged excuses to parry the blames.But we know why they failed and they are acutely aware of their own weaknesses.

The lack of confidence and tough-mindedness to perform and win the at the biggest stage was the reason for their semi-final elimination.

There are  number of reasons for the defeat which has left the nation questioning where to go from here. Failing to win the cup is a real issue for Ghana and something needs to be done ahead of the new era.

Ghana will be looking forward to the Russia 2018 daunting World Cup qualifier task and new generation of players that will hopefully win a cup for mother Ghana than the uncommitted players who let the whole nation down in Gabon. Black Stars Afcon 2017 players : who should go and who should stay ?

GOALKEEPERS

Razak Braimah : May be harsh to dump him from the squad but his recent comments to Ghanaians on Facebook has kept his spirit down to protect the post. Kwarasey should be given the chance because Braimah is not getting better. (Time to say good-bye)

Fatawu Dauda : apparently rusty and inconsistent, need to get match fitness and work on his anticipation, agility and reflexes. (time to say good-bye)

Richard Ofori : young and talented, displayed his prowess when given the chance against the stallions of Burkina Faso to show his exploits at the biggest stage. Potential save of hands for the Black Stars. (Keep faith)

DEFENDERS

Andrew kyere Yiadom : poor to keep possession,struggling to release incisive crosses and did not appear comfortable as Black Stars material. (Time to say good-bye).

Harrison Afful : undoubtedly the weakest link in the Black Stars starting eleven, struggled at the right back position,poor crosses from the flanks and needs to work very hard if he is to remain in the team. (Time to say good-bye)

Frank Acheampong : Suffered from Avram Grant's tactics after Baba Rahman's injury but was able to stabilised the left back in the subsequent games. (Keep the faith)

Baba Rahman : Got injured in the first game and was ruled out of the tourney, his absence was felt in the rest of the matches, wish him speedy recovery to join the team back. (Keep faith)

Daniel Amartey : Arguably the best player from the Black Stars setup, highly impressive performance from the Leicester City lad,technical and tactically discipline,commanding the centre half of the Black Stars with incisive tackles and building possession from defence to released pressure.(keep faith)

John Boye : Committed to the cause of Black Stars defence,with usual pity blunders but not too bad to keep his experience. (Keep faith)

Jonathan Mensah : Clearly inconsistent and lack match fitness, failed to commanding the defence that Black Stars used to be. (Time to say good-bye)

Edwin Gyimah : Consistently warming the bench of the Black Stars for the past 5 years, even after a fatal accident before the tournament and yet coach Avram Grant  thought it prudent to call him and opted to keep the bench warmer on his bench. (time to say good-bye)

MIDFIELDERS

Mubarak Wakasu : Optimising performance, dedicated,committed and dead ball winner, reminisced the days of Sulley Ali Muntari with his aggression,accurate passes and hard tackles, must improve his long drives. (Keep faith)

Thomas Teye Partey : one of the revelation of the tournament, his pace, turning ability on and off the ball, accurate passes define the midfield dynamo but poor shooting on goal and need to work on that. (Keep faith) Agyeman Badu : evidently will be in danger to losing his place in the Black Stars midfield.(keep faith) Afriyie Acquah : combative midfielder,good passer of the ball,dead ball winner and stabilised the midfield. (Keep faith)

Bernard Tekpetey : showed his prowess and ability when given the chance. A good potential Black Stars material.(keep faith) Christian Atsu : very influential in the team,smart and quick on the flanks,good ball juggler but needs to work on his finishing. (Keep the faith)

Andre Dede Ayew : obviously not the best from the Hammers star, as he failed to meet expectations due to injury but his presence in the games was a good omen to extent. Greet leadership skill on the field. (Keep faith) Ebenezer Ofori : young talented and confident lad,has shown he is battle ready anytime duty calls. Potential Black Stars material. (Keep the faith)

Samuel Tetteh : obviously not impressive in his Afcon debut game but lifted his performance when Grant confidently handed him the nod again, need to improve his game.(keep faith).

STRIKERS

Ebenezer Assifuah : not given the opportunity to show his exploits at the biggest stage. (Keep faith).

Jordan Ayew : very confident and impressive on the ball but need to work on his goal scoring ability. (Keep faith)

Asamoah Gyan : captained the team well, on and on the field, his experience cannot be ignored but he needs to work on his fitness if he is to survive in the team.(keep faith).

By Sadat Apusi/twitter @Apusi90

And am tempted to ask: What maladies are afflicting the Black Stars of Ghana as they failed to end 35-year long awaited Afcon drought ? Your suggestion and opinion are welcome.