Black Stars receive rousing welcome

Accra, July 6, GNA - Ghana Black Stars, the senior national team, returned home on Monday evening to a rousing welcome at the Kotoka International Airport.

The Stars, who arrived by a South African Airways flight, after participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, were met by a large crowd of fans and supporters, clad in the national colours. The fans waved miniature Ghana flags, cheered, sung, clapped and danced to music as the Stars disembarked the aircraft. The Black Stars were also met at the airport by Minister of State including Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith (rtd), Minister of Defence, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Nortey Dua, Members of Parliament and other State dignitaries.


Nii Nortey Dua congratulate the Stars for their excellent performances saying, "You have held aloft the flag of Ghana and Africa. We warmly welcome you back home".


Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association, who accompanied the Stars, praised government and the people of Ghana for their support and good will for the team throughout the tournament. "We are overwhelmed by this warm welcome. The team's performance has brought pride to Africa. I thank the President, the Vice President and the entire government for their prayers and support. l thank the players for their efforts and l thank all supports and fans".


Stephen Appiah, captain of the team said "We did our best but we did not have luck on our side. By any means possible we are going to quality for the 2014 world cup in Brazil.

Mr. Alex Segbefia, Deputy Chief of Staff, expressed the gratitude of government and the people of Ghana to the team, saying "you definitely made us pride".


At 0010 hours tomorrow the players would undertake a float through some principal streets of Accra.


They would meet with President Mills after the float and a carnival would be held at the independent square in their honour. The Black stars drew 1-1 with Uruguay in regulation time, in the quarter finals sending the duel to extra time. The scores remained the same until the stars lost 2-4 on penalties to Uruguay, who had won the cup two times. 6 July 10