Mad jubilation in Tamale over stars' win

Tamale, June 22, (Caesar), GNA - Soccer enthusiasts in the Tamale Metropolis on Thursday poured into the streets in their numbers to jubilate the 2-1 win of the Ghana Black Stars over USA in the ongoing World Cup in Germany.

There were also motorcycle acrobatic displays on the major streets of the Metropolis, while lorries, including foreign long distance vehicles plying the Tamale dual carriage road to Bolgatanga en rout Burkina-Faso and other Sahel countries displayed Ghana flags on their windscreens and tooted their horns in solidarity with the Black Stars. There were vehicular and human traffic jams at all the traffic lights in the Metropolis as fans sang the praises of the Stars in unison, an indication that football could unite the nation irrespective of political and ethnic links.

Speaking in separate interviews with the GNA Sports, Ms Mabel Afagoji said for once the Black Stars had "sold" Ghana to the whole World in Germany 2006, hence the need to accord every single player in the squad, including the technical team respect and honour. She said even if the Stars fail to progress to the next stage of the competition, the nation would still attract tourists and investors to boost the country's economy.

She said the Stars went to Germany as underdogs, considering the dismal performance they put up in Egypt during CAN 2006. "But the men have made Ghana proud and we need to also be proud of them."

Mr. Bill Jumbo James, one of the jubilant fans indicated that the Stars did well but that they should not be scared of the Brazilians since big names do not play ball.

He called on the private sector and other individuals to pledge heavily to the Stars so that they could "kill" themselves and beat the Brazilians, adding that "Even if they fail to progress to the next stage we are still proud of them."

Others who spoke to the GNA Sports praised the Stars and called for more support to encourage them to attain higher heights to print the name of Ghana in gold.

There was virtually no Abudu and Andani or NPP and NDC in Tamale during the jubilation but peace, unity and togetherness, which was characterized by joy and love for one another after the dramatic victory.