Ghana coach Avram Grant says his side’s surge to the Africa Cup of Nations title can be attributed to their ten-day pre-tournament camping in Spain.
Grant, 60, has exceeded expectations by leading the Black Stars to the final of this year’s tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
The former Chelsea manager surprisingly decided to camp in the cold in Europe, a decision which did not go down well with some top FA officials and journalists given the tournament was to be held in Africa.
That decision by the call has proven to be golden with the team chemistry visibly improving in every game.
“Before our camping in Spain I did not know my players very well. I did not know how they will react after a loss,” Grant said.
“But I have always said that mental toughness is key to football and even success to life.
“And now you will see that since our camping in Spain the team continues to improve.”
The former Portsmouth and West Ham United boss was given a task to do well in this competition after taking charge of the team three weeks to the competition.
But with Ghana having struggled to reach the final game since 2010, the Israeli has certainly exceeded expectations.
“Every Ghanaian has got to love this team no one gave them a chance but look at what they have done,” he added.
“I am proud of their achievement and we will work harder to even make more history.”