Stars promise nation victory

The Black Stars are poised for victory in today’s return match of the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers against the Syli Nationale of Guinea, as preparations for the historic match in Tamale are all set for a captivating duel.

The general mood in the city is that of victory as evidenced by the growing number of fans who are patronising the Black Stars paraphernalia and displaying loyalty to the home team whose hotel and training grounds are inundated with the presence of the supporters.

Enthusiasm and morale among the players and officials in camp are very high with the players promising the nation nothing short of victory in their quest to secure the maximum points to answer the continental roll call in Morocco next year.

Presentation

As part of efforts to further boost the morale of the players and officials, the Dakpema (chief) of Tamale, Mohammed Alhassan Dawuni, decorated the players and some officials in hand-woven colourful smocks.

He pledged the unalloyed support of the chiefs and people in the area to the team and hoped that, “you do not only win today’s match, but qualify convincingly for the 2015 AFCON.”

GFA boss

The president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, and the captain of the team, both expressed appreciation to the chief and the people of Tamale for the warm reception accorded them since their arrival last Monday.

They promised to reciprocate the gesture by not only winning the match but also playing to the admiration of Ghanaians.

Kick-off

Briefing the Daily Graphic in an interview in Tamale on preparations towards today's encounter, Mr Mohammed Bako Alhassan, the vice chairman of the Northern Regional Football Association (RFA), said the kick-off time for the match would be at 1600 GMT (4.00p.m. local time).

He stated that the ticket for the match would be sold at the various gates at the stadium from 11am with the tickets for the popular, V.I.P and VVIP going for GH¢5, GH¢10 and GH¢20 respectively.

According to him, the playing field has been put in good condition to ensure smooth play. Also in place are Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras , elevators, scoreboard, floodlights and the dressing rooms which have all been put in good shape.

He added that a standby generator had also been serviced and fuelled in case of power outage at the stadium since the match would be played into the night.

Match officials

Seychelles referee Bernard Camille has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate today’s match. He would be assisted on the line by his fellow countrymen Eldrick Adelaide and Gerrard Pool.

First leg

The Syli Nationale held the Black Stars to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca Morocco last Saturday.

The Guineans adopted Morocco as their home grounds following the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease in their country.

Ghana is on top of Group E with five points followed by Guinea and Uganda with four points apiece. 

Togo’s Hawks occupy the bottom rung with three points.