The Black Stars and its technical team honoured their word by giving bereaved Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien a befitting tribute after recording a 2-1 win over Zambia last Friday.

However, Essien, who lost his father James Essien on September 1, was denied the usual practice accorded bereaved players, especially before matches – a minute’s silence before kick-off, as well as the wearing of black armbands to show solidarity.

That notwithstanding, the midfield enforcer, who started the game from the bench, proved he still had the qualities that made him one of the best midfielders in the game sometime ago.

His introduction for Rabiu Mohammed a few minutes after the break generated massive applause from the stands, and he justified the cheers with his usual accurate passes and succeeded in helping the Stars take control of the midfield.

Essien was greeted with news of the death of his father, a former Hearts of Oak player, on arrival from his England base two Sundays ago for the Ghana Zambia crucial World Cup qualifier in Kumasi after a long absence due to career threatening injuries.

Ahead of the game, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and Ministry of Youth and Sports sent their respective consolatory messages.