Sekondi-Takoradi soccer fans have hope in Stars.

Takoradi, June 13, GNA - Many soccer fans in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis believe that Monday's display of resilience, bravery and soccer artistry by the Black Stars in their encounter with Italy was perhaps the most brilliant show put up by the senior national team in recent times.

They said even though the Black Stars lost the match to their more fancied Azuris opponents who are streets ahead in World ratings, they would be the first to admit that the Black Stars were not mere pushovers.

Mr. Royland Gershon, Community Development Officer and ardent soccer fan said in spite of the defeat there was still hope for the senior national team to advance to the next stage of the on-going World Cup competition in Germany.

He said FIFA should ensure fair officiating to make the competition one of the best organised since its inception in 1938.

Uncle Ebo, an Auto Mechanic in Takoradi said bad officiating caused the defeat of the Black Stars and said since Ghana had always been slow starters in such competitions, the players would put up a better performance in their next match.

Ms Olivia Adiku, a Police Officer at Sekondi said Ghanaians must not be down hearted by the 2-0 defeat of the senior national team but continue to pray for victory in their match with the Czech Republic.

At about 1500 hours on Monday, traders including storekeepers and market women in and around Market Circle who usually close as late as 2000 hours were seen hurriedly rounding off their activities to go and watch the Black Stars' first match in the comfort of their homes. The usual hustle and bustle at the central business areas particularly on Mondays was absent from then on and most of the streets were virtually empty by 1830 hours.

Many people including the elderly were seen grouped around television sets to watch the match. At the premises of the local Skyy Radio and Television, a giant screen was mounted where hundreds of people trooped to watch their darling national team in action for the first time in a World Cup tournament. After the match, many were heard blaming erratic shooting upfront and bad officiating to be the cause of the Stars' defeat. 14 June 06