Ghana Under-17 coach Paa Kwesi Fabin has suggested that online trolling, especially via social media, over the age of his goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim prior to the quarterfinals clash with Mali might have affected him.
The Black Starlets exited the U-17 World Cup last weekend courtesy a 2-1 loss to the Malians with a second-half blunder by the shot-stopper leading to one of the goals he conceded. Danlad failed a clearance attempt outside the penalty area before allowing the ball to slip through his hands for Mali’s second in the clash which was marred by continuous downpour.
A couple of days before the all-African quarterfinal clash, the 14-year-old Asante Kotoko goalkeeper was subjected to internet trolling by bullies who mocked his age.
While speaking to Kumasi-based Nhyira FM on the team’s campaign at the India World Cup, Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin revealed he had to work on the psyche of his player after the news got to him.
“There is nothing which goes on in the media back home that did not reach us in camp. We were always in the know of comments made about the team and it’s sad.
“The day before the Mali match my goalkeeper [Danlad Ibrahim] was so down. He came to my room to tell me about what was going on.
“He was worried [about the trolls and] it dampened his spirits. We had to psych him up,” Fabin said.
“I won’t be surprised it played part in the error he made,” the coach added.
The Black Starlets returned to Accra Tuesday afternoon.
