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The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, has challenged the national team, known as the Black Stars, to perform well in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He claims that Pele, a legendary footballer from Brazil, meant Ghana when he said that an African side will win the World Cup someday.
READ ALSO: Otto Addo doesn’t even know his first 11; he should be replaced with Chris Hughton else danger will happen at Qatar – Super Obondede
Pele famously predicted that an African country will win the World Cup before the year 2000, which is now more than three decades away.
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Only three African teams—Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal—have ever advanced to the semifinals, therefore no country on the continent has ever accomplished this.
“A long time ago, the greatest footballer that has ever lived, the Brazilian, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, said that very soon an African country is going to win the World Cup and I know that, when he said that, he had in mind Ghana,” Akufo-Addo said when he signed the national flag to rally support for the Black Stars as they head to Qatar.
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READ ALSO: Black Stars showcase rich Ghanaian culture as they arrive in Qatar in grand style- See photos
The Black Stars’ spirited World Cup preparations came to an end with a win against Switzerland.
The Black Stars defeated the Swiss 2-0 in an international friendly on Thursday morning, the Swiss’s first loss in four matches.
Large stretches of the game were controlled by Ghana, and the outcome was decided by goals from Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Semenyo in the second half.
In addition, Akufo Addo said he had faith in the Black Stars’ coaches and players to achieve well in the event.
READ ALSO: Dede Ayew is now Ghana’s most capped player after featuring in the 2-0 win over Switzerland ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup
“All of us know what football means to us in this country and what a very rich history we have in football.
“History that goes right back to the 50s, and 60s and 70s, 80s and 90s, right up till today; and I’m very confident that the players that have been selected, right up to the excellent technical team that we have under the leadership of Otto Addo, that we are going to give a very good account of ourselves,” he added.
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