Kumasi fans are loyal - Afriyie

Black Stars Management Committee chairman, George Afriyie has expressed a massive dose of confidence in Kumasi fans to come out in their numbers to support the national team against Comoros on Tuesday.

Ghana must beat the Islanders in the second leg of Africa's second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying to advance to the third and final round following a shock goalless stalemate in the first leg in Moroni on Friday. The national team left Accra on Sunday morning and are expected to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace straight from the airport to seek his support.

The Black Stars return to the Ashanti Regional capital for the first time since the home fans booed and turned against the national team in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda in September last year in expression of anger at Ghana's disgraceful acts at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Two subsequent home games in those qualifiers were honoured at the Tamale Sports Stadium whilst the first qualifying game to the next Africa Cup of Nations 2017, a 7-1 hammering of Mauritius took place in Accra.

But Kumasi takes centre stage again this week when the Comoros come to own for the second stanza of the two-legged tie against the mighty Black Stars and the Ghana national team chief is confident the fans in Oseikrom will be at their cheering best to victory.

“We know Kumasi. Kumasi is noted for their loyalty and support for the Black Stars and I believe and have no doubt that they will continue to support the Black Stars,” George Afriyie told reporters on arrival in Accra from Comoros.

“When it comes to the World Cup, we have always looked to Kumasi for the success story and I believe that they will continue to support us to cement victory on Tuesday,” the Black Stars Management Committee chairman affirmed.