Ghanaian politician urges Black Stars to make them proud

Accra (Ghana), June 11 (IANS) Former presidential candidate of Ghana's opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urged the 'Black Stars' to make their country proud as they make their third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Football pundits all over the world have bet their money on Ghana to be one of the first teams to exit the World Cup at the group stage, Akufo-Addo said Tuesday.

In their maiden appearance in 2006 when Ghana was grouped with Italy, Czech Republic and the United States, the odds were heavily stacked against the West Africans. However, the can-do-spirit of Ghana was clearly manifested and the Black Stars finished second in the group to qualify for the Round of 16, reports Xinhua.

Similarly in 2010 against the likes of Germany, Serbia and Australia, Ghana progressed to the quarterfinals, a step further to what was achieved in 2006.

"I have no doubt whatsoever that again in Brazil with a group consisting of Germany, Portugal and USA, the Black Stars will shine even brighter. I believe strongly that with unity, determination and hard work from captain Asamoah Gyan and our players, the Kwasi Appiah-led technical team and management and the unflinching support of us all, the Black Stars will make us proud," he said in a statement.

Ghana thrashed South Korea 4-0 Monday in Miami in their final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup. They will play the United States June 16 before taking on Germany and Portugal in Group G.

The team is expected to touch down in Brazil Wednesday.