Minister wills Stars to claim AFCON ticket

Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Youth and Sports has urged the Black Stars to ensure qualification for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as they face Malawi in the final qualifier this weekend.

The Stars, with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg face the Flames this Saturday in Lilongwe with the winner of the tie qualifying for the South Africa-bound championship.

In a goodwill message to the Stars copied to GNA Sports on Wednesday, he said: “the people of Ghana are solidly behind you and are expecting nothing less than a qualification for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa.

“This is a very tough match, but I believe the Black Stars as a perennial Africa Cup of Nations representative, will fly high the flag of Ghana on Saturday. I am hopeful that with the caliber and commitment of players assembled for this match, Ghana will certainly carry the day.

The minister has also tasked the team to “eschew complacency and stick to the tactics of the coaches and ensure that victory become ours”.

Humado concludes by rallying for morale and spiritual support for the team from Ghanaians in their quest for victory.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars arrived in Kenya last Tuesday, for a five-day preparation ahead of the clash with the Flames.

The teams departs for Lilongwe on Friday, 24-hours ahead of the match fixed for the Civo Stadium.