Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has received the Black Stars in his Manhyia palace with a strong word of motivation, "the soul of this country is in your hands".

The Black Stars, their technical handlers, and GFA officials were led by the Minister of Youth and Sports Elvis Afriyie Ankrah to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene Tuesday afternoon.

It was to formally inform him about the epic clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The World Cup qualifying clash will see the winner, after a return match, pick one of Africa's five slots for the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi and captain Asamoah Gyan introduced the team to Otumfuo. The players took turns to shake his hands.

The Asantehene encouraged the Black Stars to have in mind the importance with which Ghanaians love football and do the country honours by scoring goals.

The first leg of the clash will be at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on Tuesday 15th October 2013.

"Egypt is our last hurdle. We need victory and if there is any hurdle, we have to beat them", he said.

The Asantehene said the nation will be praying for the team in the hope that the senior national team will "give us victory".

Ghana is chasing a third successive appearance at the World Cup whereas Egypt hopes to clinch their first qualification since 1990.