Soccer News of Thursday, 28 November 2013

Source: www.sportsinghana.com

World Cup trophy charms fans in Accra

Thousand of Ghanaian soccer fans invaded the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse of the FIFA World Cup trophy as the Ghana capital took its turn to host the Coca Cola worldwide tour.

The trophy arrived in Accra on Monday afternoon with the entourage met by Sports Minister, Hon. Afriyie Ankrah and GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi at the Air Force Base where the Coca Cola trophy tour plane touched down after which President Mahama received, hoisted and kissed it at a lavish gala dinner later that evening at the Banquet Hall of State House.

Tuesday and the last day of the trophy tour in Ghana and it was the turn of fans to also see and pose for commemorative photos with the grandest soccer prize on the planet. And even though a ticket was needed to get access to the hugely crowded Conference Centre, many were those who showed up in numbers keen not to miss out on an historic event.

“I am very happy, maybe this is the best moment of my life because I may never get the chance to see this trophy again. I am so excited, I can’t wait to take a photo with it,” 23 year old Secretary, Akua Marfo told www.sportsinghana.com eagerly even as she waited way back in the extremely long queue.

FIFA World Cup trophy tour sponsors, Coca Cola were at their hospitable best, hosting the fans in ambience, ensuring security, printing a souvenir photo with the trophy for every one who took turns to go through the long processions to view the magnificent diadem and a drink ready for refreshment afterwards. Hiplife artistes were also on hand to thrill the crowd amid merriment all over.

“I am so excited because I haven’t seen it before but thanks to Coca Cola today I’m right here with the trophy and I have a photo to show for it,” an enthusiastic fan stated, beaming with smiles all over.

Not to be left out was Amos Koranteng who told us he travelled all the way from Kibi in the Eastern Region just to see the World Cup for himself, notwithstanding the huge cost he had to accrue and the fact that he had to wake up at dawn to start his journey to Accra.

“This is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I wish that next year the Black Stars will be able to bring it back so that we can see it again,” Koranteng said.

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