Akunnor salutes Black Stars, GFA

The skipper of the senior national soccer team, C K Akunnor has sent messages of congratulations to the Black Stars and the Ghana Football Association respectively (GFA) on the recent successes chalked by the team in the World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifiers.

In a fax message sent to the press from his German base, Akunnor said he was overwhelmed with joy by the performance of the team, composed mainly of home based players, in qualifying for Mali 2002 and reviving the World Cup chances of Ghana.

He said the victory of the Stars over the Lone Stars at their own Monrovia back yard marks a turning point in the resurrection of the Stars and pledged his unalloyed support to the players and the technical team.

"It is no mean achievement to spank Zimbabwe in Harare and quell the ambition of the Lone Stars in Liberia and this is a testimony of the level of commitment the home based Stars are putting into the campaign."

The Wolfsburg midfielder said he is optimistic that the Stars "would pull the chestnut out of the blazing fire" by winning their matches against Sudan in Accra on July 14 and the Super Eagles in Lagos on July 29 and gain a historic qualification to Korea- Japan 2002.

While wishing the team the best of luck in the remaining matches, Akunnor advised the players to keep their calm and remain level headed in order to sustain the triumphal ride that has brought happiness to Ghanaians and given them hope for a World Cup appearance.

The skipper also expressed appreciation to the quality of football being played by the Satellites during the on going World Youth Championship and prayed that they rise up to the occasion when they play Argentina in the final on Sunday.

On the reconstituted Ghana Football Association (GFA) Management Board, headed by Mr Ben Koufie, Akunnor described the team as "very formidable and capable of taking Ghana football to the great heights" and implored them to unite and present a common front in the discharge of their duties.

He said it is only when they remain united that they would be strong enough to face the stiff challenges associated with the office.

Akunnor described Mr Ben Koufie as "a perfect gentleman who is very much knowledgeable in the principles and politics of soccer administration" adding that the presence of Abedi Pele on the board would provide the vital link between the GFA and the players.

He wished them a happy tenure that would be laced with unprecedented successes in the annals of Ghana football.