A BOLA – Played in Portugal and guarantees: «Ghana with renewed spirit and MUCH confidence» (Ghana)
Augustine was part of the Black Stars wave – others were Ayew, Konadu, Mark Edusei, Lamptey or Duah – who arrived in Leiria and Portugal in the nineties, helping the Lis team to reach 6th place in the Mário Reis era, with the striker scoring six goals in the first round, one of them in a draw with FC Porto, which qualified him for a transfer to Calcio, arriving in January at Veneza de Recoba, where he also faced Ronaldo Fenómeno, in a total of three games that did not reveal the expected brilliance .
He has the credits of the former international, adding 19 appearances for his national team and a great under-20 World Cup in 1993, where he helped Ghana to be defeated finalist, against Brazil. At the age of 48, Agostinho, who became a legend after leaving Portugal for Ankaragucu, is a member of the Ghanaian Players Association.
«I am sure that this Ghana team can cause problems for any opponent and be a surprise in the group, because honestly, they have nothing to lose, since they arrive at the World Cup after bad games and a bad performance in the last African Cup of Nations. And after seeing what we built against Switzerland in the last friendly, I think we can agree with me», warns Augustine, alluding to the Africans’ 2-0 triumph over the Swiss.
«We have a lot of good players, there are those best known for the teams they play for, but we have others less famous that can appear and surprise. I bet on a great tasting of Salis do Lens. I recommend you follow him…», suggests Augustine, praising the 22-year-old defensive midfielder, a standout in the French League, even for playing in 2nd place, although still only accounting for one cap.
«Ghana arrives at this World Cup and this first game against Portugal with a renewed spirit and A LOT of confidence. The inclusion of Inaki William was also an added strength. In this regard, Portugal must be extra careful», warns Agostinho, who was also a Boavista player in his Portuguese leg.
«Mário Reis was like a father»
«Portugal was the country where I found my recognition at the beginning of my professional career. I had been playing in Switzerland, but I felt that I was just one of the team, in Leiria I felt that I was leading the attack. It was a very special club for me, there were a lot of Ghanaians but I have to highlight the coach. He adored me, I really mean it, I felt that he cared for me in a rare way. I cannot forget Mário Reis, he was a real man. I am very happy to know that he is still alive », he says, after asking for clarification about the former coach.
«Portuguese football has always been very strong and enjoyable for the African player. Bernardo Silva is currently the player that amazes me the most », invokes him.