Kumasi, June 30, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Zongo Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has commended the Ghana Black Stars, for qualifying to the quarter final stage of the on-going 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa.

It said the Stars had delivered the joy of Africans and raised the hopes of the Continent.

A statement jointly signed by Alhaji Othman Yahaya, Coordinator and Alhaji Alhassan Ibn Ibrahim, Secretary of the group, in Kumasi, cautioned the team against complacency and said it should remain focused. The Black Stars are the third African team after the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun and the Teranga Lions of Senegal, to reach the quarter final stage in a world cup tournament.

The Stars defeated the United States of America 2-1 last Saturday, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash with two times world champions Uruguay on Friday.

The statement expressed regret about the inability of the Stars duo, Dede Ayew and Jonathan Mensah, to feature in the upcoming match. It urged the technical team to work hard to find worthy replacements to ensure victory for the Stars.

The Statement appealed to all religious bodies to pray for God's guidance for the team as the competition entered the crucial and most difficult phase. 30 June 10