Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori has reacted to criticism over his selection and performance for Ghana following their shock defeat to Cape Verde in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
The Black Stars suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Cape Verde in their Group B opener on Sunday and Ofori was at the centre of the second goal by the Blue Sharks after he came out to collect a low cross but could not grasp it, as the ball was kicked almost from his hands and allowed Garry Rodrigues to score into an empty net in stoppage time.
The Bucs shot-stopper received criticism from a section of supporters in his home country, who have questioned his selection ahead of Switzerland-based goalkeeper Lawrence Zigi and Joseph Wallacott, who plies his trade in Scotland.
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The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order of goalkeepers at Pirates, as Melusi Buthelezi is currently the first-choice goalkeeper in place of the injured Sipho Chaine, while Ofori but he has been handed the number one spot for Ghana.
"I didn't hear anything because, I hardly go to social media and stuff and listen to comments. So, anything they say I don't listen. I don't even know what is going on there. I just focus on the game and how to help my country, that's the most important thing," Ofori told journalists.
"It's normal, this is the highest football (stage), I've been in the game for long. It doesn't matter. If the coach has confidence in you and the team has confidence in you, you need to show on the pitch and I showed on the pitch that I'm capable," he said.
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"We just need to stay focused and make sure that we win the next game, that's the most important thing. We're trying to do everything possible to help the country. I don't listen to what is happening outside because you need to stay focused in the game," he added.