Sekondi, Feb. 3 - GNA - A Michael Essien's 45th minute goal, ignited pent-up jubilation among several supporters and football lovers within the Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolis. Many of the fans abandoned the game, took to the streets in jubilation, ecstasy and hope for the Black Stars, who were down by a lone goal.

Visits by the GNA to Anaji; Effiakuma; Sekondi; Bakaekyire; Nkotompo; Egiramoa-Bakam; Takoradi; Tanokrom; Kwesiminstim; Esaaman; Esikadu and many other communities revealed that many children, youth and adults were in a happy mood.

Three hours before the match, which had been described as the final before the final kicked off, many of the streets within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, were deserted, with no commercial activities taking place.

The few storeowners, who opened their stores, had positioned television sets and a few chairs around to encourage people to patronize the television and their wares.

Soon after the goal, the roads became active but the matching orders given to central defender John Mensah in the second half dampened the spirit of the otherwise enthusiastic crowd.

The second goal by Junior Agogo in the dying moments of the game re-ignited hope and inspiration and the undying spirit of a warrior. Television viewers could not wait for the final whistle of the referee as they took over almost all major streets and celebrated the good job done by the Ghanaian players.