The Black Stars of Ghana will receive a royal visit from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium today after the team’s training session.
Otumfuo’s visit is to boost the moral and psyche of the Stars ahead of tomorrow’s epic first leg Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Asante King will also be expected to seek the support of Asanteman and the entire country as the Black Stars aim to establish its dominance over the Super Eagles.
Excitement among fans have reached fever-pitch with expectation high as Ghana chases a fourth World Cup appearance after missing the Russia 2022 edition.
For the Super Eagles, it will be their seventh World Cup adventure.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) sources confirmed the team’s itinerary for the clash against the Nigerians yesterday, indicating that the visit will be right after the team’s official training schedule.
The training will, however, be heralded by a Coach Otto Addo’s first media engagement at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Since the team’s arrival in the Kumasi Metropolis on Tuesday, they have held a few sessions with tomorrow’s, expected to be the major one, to be opened to the media for only 15 minutes.
The rest will be held behind closed doors.
Uncharacteristic of Black Stars’ arrival in Asanteman, Tuesday’s arrival was on a low profile with heavy security around the players; and at the Noda Hotel at Fumesua where they are lodging.
But that has taken nothing away from the expectant fans who have expressed optimism about the team’s chances of qualifying for the Mundial.
According to Murfy Jamel, a fan, matches between the two countries have never been easy but firmly believe the Stars would have a massive victory.
Michael Kwafo Oppong says it was early days yet but the discussions around have heightened the expectation and would hope to see a very good game with the Black Stars expected to triumph.
He said although preparation for the tie has not been what one expects with regard to matches of this magnitude, there is confidence in the team’s ability to deliver and make amends for the AFCON disappointment.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
