Evangelist ask Ghanaian soccer fans to go beyond Essien's shock

Accra, May 28, GNA - An international evangelist, Dr Lawrence Tetteh has asked Ghanaian soccer fans to rise above the absence of the ace midfielder of the Black Stars, Michael Essien in the FIFA World Cup and rally solidly behind the team to victory.

Dr Tetteh said although the non-appearance of Essien in the South Africa 2010 World Cup was disappointing, it should not undermine the soccer fever and the zeal of the nation to see the 'Golden Trophy' come to Ghana. The evangelist who was speaking to the GNA Sports on Friday said in 1981, Adolf Armah was injured in the Africa Cup of Nations elimination series, which paved the way for the spectacular emergence of Abedi Pele Ayew who dazzled soccer fans in the Libya competition. "Ghana must therefore move on as a nation. What the team needs now is our prayers and support. With prayers even the absence of a key player would not make any difference.

"In times like this somebody worthy of note could emerge if given all the encouragement," he said. According to the official website of the Ghana Football Association, an evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the association and Chelsea Football Club at the Stars camp in Paris, France, revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July. The Chelsea midfielder has not tasted action since aggravating his knee injury during the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in Angola early this year. Dr Tetteh wished Essien speedy recovery and a quick return to the turf. He noted that although due preparation, determination, skills and discipline are necessary for the Black Stars, the Bible says: "The horse is prepared on the day of battle but victory is of the Lord." Dr Tetteh asked the players and technical team to lean on God for victory, saying: "In 2008 when all was going well for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations, the country was swayed by a strange belief in other forces leading to the quenching of the flame."

He said the Black Stars are now the focal point for national unity, integration and cohesion in the midst of political tension and polarisation. "In this day and age, the Black Stars are a unifying and rallying point for the nation. They must therefore raise high the flag of Ghana by lifting up their game to facilitate unity, because Ghanaians are proud to come out to cheer them in the national colours without reservation. "I wish the players accident-free matches and for them to go the extra mile to bring home the glory, which would engulf the whole nation positively." 28 May 10