Ho, Feb. 07, GNA - Many football fans in the Ho Metropolis on Thursday praised the Black Stars for a splendid performance in their painful semi-final loss to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the ongoing 26th MTN African Cup of Nations at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

The euphoria, which characterized the Stars previous victories was, however, absent as the streets were empty of both human and vehicular traffic with drinking bars empty and silent.

Black Stars young Dede Ayew was however highly commended for playing above himself in a very uncompromising and physical game in which he would have gotten a goal but for hard luck. Some football fans said the solid defence of the Indomitable Lion's and the element of luck won them the day.

Mr Christian Doh, a soccer fan, told the GNA Sports that it was a good semi-final match and that football was the winner. Some fans cautioned Ghanaians against blaming Black Stars' Coach, Claude Le Roy, for the team's defeat because his team faced a solid, full strength and experienced Cameroonian team without some key players, who would have made a significant difference to the Stars play.