Accra, March 25, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports has sent a goodwill message to Ghana's Olympic soccer team, the Black Meteors, ahead of their crucial qualifier against Zambia on Sunday, assuring them of the nation's prayers and support.

In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday and signed by Kofi Aggrey, Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Mr Baah Wiredu urged the Meteors to prove to all that they were prepared to place Ghana back on track as a leading football nation in Africa.

He expressed optimism of a convincing win against the young Chipolopolo at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on Sunday "to take their place among the best in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games".

"We have followed with keen interest your preparation towards the game and bear witness to your high degree of self motivation. We have no doubt that as a committed team of players and technical men you will rise to the occasion to make our nation proud", the Minister said. He urged all Ghanaians to throng the stadium to cheer the Meteors to victory.