Dr Lawrence Tetteh, an International Evangelist said on Tuesday that Ghanaians should not give up on the Black Stars because they lost 2-1 against the US.
He said this not the time for Ghanaians to discourage themselves by blaming anybody for what happened on Monday but rather stay focus and get ready for battle to prove to the world that “we are capable of beating Germany and Portugal to move to the next stage”.
He said this is not the first time Ghana had lost a match.
“On the occasion of the 20th Football World Cup in Brazil, I wish to extend my encouragement and felicitations to the Black Stars of Ghana as they prepare to face Germany and Portugal in the tournament.
“This is an epochal event because for the first time in the history of Ghana, we have qualified for this tournament with a home grown Ghanaian coach.
“This is a coach who has worked under two foreign coaches, knows the team very well and enjoys a good rapport with the players.
“My message to my very good friend; Coach Kwesi Appiah, is not to be intimidated by any big names on the international plane,” Dr Tetteh said.
He said the players should regard themselves as the equals of any team anywhere in the world and all they have to do is to prove that the African people are capable of managing their own affairs.
Dr Tetteh said the players are international stars in their own right and play football at the highest level in Europe and elsewhere.
“My own observation from speaking to some members of the team is that they are in high spirits and are ready to die for the nation.
“Ever since I heard that FIFA had rated Ghana as the underdogs at the just started tournament, I had the feeling that the Black Stars are about to shock the entire world of football. I believe our gallant boys will rise to the occasion and play with a leonine spirit.
“Anytime the world has underrated Ghana, we have sailed through the group stage. As a football enthusiast myself, I can recall times when underdogs have made a difference in football, destroying the form guide in the process.
“I am therefore calling on Coach James Kwasi Appiah and Captain Asamoah Gyan to be vigilant, have a unity of purpose, be focused on the ultimate prize and work as a team to bring glory and honour, not only to themselves but to Ghana and Africa.
“They can shock the world and they should remember that the secret of success is to have no fear. They should also remember that tough times never last but tough people do!
“We should remember that football has been one of the main elements of national cohesion in Ghana. At times like these when economic conditions are biting very hard, the Black Stars can bring home something that will lift the spirit of the country.
“Our prayers are with them and they should discard superstitions and false beliefs and adopt a more positive attitude before, during and after the tournament.”