Stars Remind Fans Of Their Role

Black Stars players would have a responsibility to live up to expectation when Ghana host Gabon in the reverse game of the 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Certainly, coming from a 2-0 away defeat to Gabon last week, the Black Stars would be expected to overturn that result and consolidate their position at the summit of the Group 5 table in the African zone qualifier as the busy four-game qualifying schedule in the month of June comes to an end on Sunday. The job of beating the Gabonese rests with the players who would be handed places in the Black Stars team. The team came under heavy criticism after allowing in two late goals in the game against Lesotho which they won 3-2 before falling to Gabon the following weekend. Players of the Black Stars have had time to reflect on their frustrations and have promised to come alive at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Sunday but with an appeal to the fans to play their supporting role. It would be revenge for the Black Stars and they expect their passionate fans to rally them on to victory right from kick off. “Let’s put the defeat behind us. "I hope the fans will stick by us for the rest of the qualifiers and rally behind us on Sunday to make things work,” says Laryea Kingston ahead of the game. The loss to Gabon ended the two-game winning run by Ghana but Kingston is hopeful the Black Stars would return to winning ways again beginning this Sunday in the reverse fixture. “Myself and the rest of the team are keen to win and restore some joy among the fans as we try to reach another World Cup finals.” Kingston’s view is shared by colleague, Junior Agogo, a fan favourite. “We have to go out there and play with a lot of confidence. We need the fans to support us. Their voices helps drive anytime we play. “We need to relax and play our game,” Agogo says. A win for Ghana could see the Black Stars head into September’s round of qualifiers at the top of the group. Libya is on the same points as Ghana and look set to win their third game with Lesotho the visitors to Tripoli this weekend.