Ghana must win World Cup, Mahama demands

Ghana President John Mahama has charged the Black Stars to ‘die a little’ for their nation to ensure they make history by winning the World Cup for the first time in Brazil.

The president was speaking at a state dinner to bid the Black Stars an official farewell as they embark on their third successive campaign at the world showpiece.

Ghana is drawn in a tough group where they will be battling USA, Germany and Portugal for the two progressive slots in Group G.

Ghana President John Mahama, however, believes the Black Stars who have started preparations for June’s finals in Brazil can make history by winning the ultimate backed by the prayers and good wishes of their countrymen.

“Ghana and the citizens of this great country are expecting the very best from you,” President Mahama said at the function held at the State Banquet Hall on Thursday night.

“We expect you to die a little for your country. We expect and pray that Ghana lifts the World Cup for the first time in our history.

“And we must believe that this is possible. We respect our opponents but we don’t fear them.

“While we respect the reputation of USA, Portugal and Germany, let me assure you that they also respect our reputation even more. “We are going to go into every match with a strategy and with God on our side, we shall overcome.

“We have so much faith in you. Indeed the whole of Ghana has so much faith and confidence in you.

“Ghanaians believe in you. The hearts and mights and hopes of all Ghanaians are with you and never forget that.”

Replica Black Stars jerseys autographed by the president was later auctioned to raise funds to boost the Sports Ministry’s projects for the 2014 World Cup.

IPMC offered the highest bid of the night, pledging GHS75,000 while Kwame Osei (Despite) followed with a pledge of GHS60,000.

Companies such as Special Ice, Consar Constructions and the like followed with GHS50,000 pledges.

The Black Stars will face a locally select side in an exhibition match on Friday before embarking on their training camp in the Netherlands.

Coach Kwesi Appiah’s team will play the Dutch national team in an international friendly on May 31st before moving camp to the USA where they will also be playing another friendly against South Korea.