Game Day vs Vendsyssel
Leading up to the game, it had been a very eventful week. To be honest my mind was not really on football. I had a couple things going on that weren't in my control but left me frustrated. As an athlete you have to be able to put everything else to the side once you cross that line whether it's for training or a game; full concentration. I did my best to clear my mind,my mates needed me at my best. Coach told me I'd be starting at right midfield in a 4-2-3-1
Vendsyssel is about four hours away from Næstved; a very long trip. They are a good side that play good football. They have a few foreigners who are very dangerous. Being the away side we planned to stay tight as a unit, work collectively defensively and hit them on the counter. We had a lot of speed out wide with our skipper Munks and myself. Our 'maestro' Jeppe can pick a pass. We had Dani and Baes in center mid working tirelessly. Stef up top holding the ball up and linking up play. Our defense was solid as well and our bench was ready.
Before kickoff I felt very calm. I have never been the type screaming and yelling before a game. I leave that to my mates. I'm very quiet and I don't know if I'm 'in the zone' or what term I would refer to this state as but it's just peace,confidence and subtle happiness. I'm confident that if I work offensively and defensively the rest will take care of itself. I want to wear my prey down and then go for the kill. By prey, I mean the opposition left back whose primary task is to mark me, but 1v1 he can't.
Goal!
Naked fan....crazy
The game begins and the first half is perhaps our best half so far this season. We look good and start the game aggressively. Fifteen minutes into the game a naked man runs onto the pitch. He's a Vendsyssel fan. I'm not happy because we have a good rhythm but haven't gotten a goal yet. We don't need this distraction. Anyway he's escorted off the pitch and a few minutes later I beat two players and take a shot with my left foot, the keeper fumbles it and Stef does what every good striker does. Anticipate the ball and be the first to rebounds. He taps it in and we are a goal up. Second half Vendsyssel get a penalty and convert. I play 80 minutes and I'm exhausted when I come off the pitch. Vendsyssel put a lot of pressure on us and I have to defend a lot in the second half. It's an away game and even though we could have won we will take the point.
Shadrach
After the game we are stretching and I hear someone say my name from the touch line. To my surprise it's Shadrach Eghan. I was really happy because Shadrach and I played for the Ghana u-20 National Team together and I didn't know he was now a Vendsyssel player! It is great seeing him and we converse for a bit. I head inside and find some alone time to pray. I thank God for allowing me to get through this difficult week which ended well. The fans vote me man of the match for my performance. This week emphasized the need to stay focused on the field regardless of what's going on in my personal life. Note taken. God give me strength.
