'You have done us proud' - Ibn Chambas

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has congratulated the five African representatives at this year's World Cup in Germany for their sterling performances that have brought glory to the continent.

The message from Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the ECOWAS Secretary General commended the five - Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, the Sparrowhawks of Togo, the Black Stars of Ghana, Black Antelopes of Angola and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia for their dazzling displays against daunting opposition, to make Africa proud.

"Once more, you demonstrated your talents, exuberance, dynamism and sense of purpose of the emergent African youth and the organizational ability of African football federations to compete with the rest of the world on an equal footing in all spheres of life".

The statement said it is pleasing that the participation of the Elephants and the Sparrowhawks in the tournament rallied the populations of Cote d'Ivoire and Togo respectively around a common cause, irrespective of their origin or belief.

It said, "the spirit of camaraderie, national cohesion and patriotism that characterized the teams' performance reinforced our belief that, with greater commitment at the political level, these nations possess the capacity to address the challenges of national reconciliation and peace.

"We are convinced that the displays would inject a new sense of dynamism and sense of purpose into these processes.

While congratulating the Black Stars of Ghana for advancing to the one-sixteenth stage of the tournament, ECOWAS wishes to remind them that they carry the aspirations of the entire continent on their shoulders. ECOWAS urges them to keep the torch of Africa burning with discipline and pride.

The Ghana Black Stars next meet world champions, Brazil, in the one-sixteenth stage of the tournament on Tuesday, June 27