Sports News of Thursday, 7 February 2008

Source: .

Kufuor addresses Black Stars on video

The enormity of the semi-final epic encounter between Ghana and Cameroon has stirred President, John Agyekum Kufuor to inspire the Black Stars from afar.

In a video conference at the offices of the World Bank Country Director, Ishac Wigan in Accra, President Kufuor urged the Stars to go the extra mile to book a place in the final.

"I know you are capable of overcoming every challenge in the competition and I want you to beat Cameroon soundly as you did to Nigeria."

President Kufuor, who is in Italy, Rome for a World Food Program said, "Ghanaians are demanding the Cup so I urge you to fire from all cylinders to realize that dream, and I know you can do it."

He pointed out that in as much as he would have loved to witness the game, official assignment had robbed him that opportunity.

"Although I am not with you physically, I am with you in spirit and expecting a high profile performance to ensure that you make it the final and lift the trophy to crown your efforts?.

In separate words, Coach Claude Le Roy, skipper John Mensah, Michael Essien and Junior Agogo thanked the president for his motivating words, and in return gave him the assurance of victory.

"We thank you very much for having us in mind, we promise to make you and the entire nation proud by winning our next two games," Essien told President Kufuor.