The Ambassador for Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Frederick Daniel Laryea, paid a visit to the Black Stars in camp in Abidjan on Thursday, January 11, to express his best wishes ahead of the start of the 2023 AFCON.
He was warmly greeted at the team’s hotel by Black Stars Head Coach Chris Hughton and President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Okraku, accompanied by members of his staff from the Embassy in Abidjan.
“I came here just to express our support and cooperation to the team. We know that you are mentally and physically prepared to win the Cup because its been forty-years plus since we won it. It is a great honor and privilege for me to welcome you to Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote D’Ivoire. First of all, I wish to commend you for qualifying to participate in the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” said His Excellency Daniel Laryea.
“Ghana is a known as a football nation and I am sure that you are physically, morally and mentally prepared to play, not only to play but to win. Its been over years since we won and this is the time for us to win to show that Ghana is back. So I hope that you are going to perform well just like Julius Ceasar.”
“When he conquered his enemies, said that I came, I saw and I conquered. I want it to be said that you came, you played well and won, so we look forward to Ghana celebrating your victory. Be rest assured that you have the full support and cooperation of the Embassy staff and myself,” he added.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the president of the Ghana Football Association, gave the ambassador assurances of the players’ preparedness and dedication to represent Ghana in the competition.
“On behalf of the team, we want to say thank you for coming to spend time with us. In front of you are your warriors. These is a group of players who have sacrificed a lot to have come to this level. Indeed the qualification games were very, very challenging. Travelling alone from their various destination, I have always said is a big sacrifice by the lads and having come this far is a commitment from their part and on the part of the technical team and the rest of the technical staff to truly represent our country and to fight for glory.”
The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, at 8 p.m.
