Soccer News of Thursday, 30 January 2014

Source: Ghana Sports International

Black Stars seek massive red, gold and green support

Players, management and technical team of the Black Stars have called for a massive sea of supporters for Ghana's CHAN final against Libya in Cape Town. Ghana made it to their second CHAN final since losing to DR Congo in the maiden edition in 2009; this time, after a hard fought penalty shootout victory over Nigeria on Wednesday.

Stars Captain Jordan Opoku was full of praise for the fans in South Africa for their support especially considering that the team has been below par at the tournament so far.

"The support here has been amazing since day one. We really appreciate it and we hope it will continue on Saturday. "Even though we have not played well, the support has rather gone up so we are determined to go all out for victory on Saturday as a thank you for their faith in us''.

Head Coach Maxwell Konadu also praised the impact of the supporters on his team and has also called for a massive turnout for Saturday's final.

"Yes the supporters have been fantastic. They've lifted us up when we were finding the going tough. If this championship is anything to go by, then the fans will have the final say on Saturday".

The former Kotoko and Black Stars forward who recently posted the WAFU Cup on his young coaching CV, reckons each match has seen an improvement. ''People should not underestimate the standard here in SA. We have to be at our very best and play to our strengths because Libya will not be easy but we have confidence". Coach Konadu added.

Youth and Sports Minister Hon Elvis Afriyie Ankrah is also optimistic that the Stars will lift the trophy to cap off what he has described as very good week.

''It has been a week full of blessings with the Princesses qualification to the U-20 World Cup and now the possibility of a major trophy coming to Ghana after over three decades to break the jinx of near misses".

Meanwhile, GSI can also confirm that Anthony Baffoe will be the CAF Match Coordinator for the final match following his excellent exploits at the Confederations Cup, World Club Cup and other major FIFA tournaments since 2010. This has fuelled widespread speculation that FIFA will soon confirm the Ghanaian to handle the ultimate at next summer's World Cup in Brazil.