President declares "operation six points" for Stars

Accra, June 20, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has declared an "operation six points" campaign for the final phase of the Black Stars World Cup Qualifying matches. The campaign is to ensure that the Stars win their two remaining matches against Uganda and Cape Verde to secure the long searched World Cup ticket that has eluded the nation for decades.

A statement issued from the office of the President's Press Secretary copied to the GNA Sports said, the victory of the Stars over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa has received an executive applause. It said the President commended the team for the resounding victory, which has brightened Ghana's hopes of a historic World Cup appearance.

The statement however said that, "The fact that Cape Verde and Uganda are not highly rated as soccer giants, should not deceive the Black Stars into lowering their performance, we should rather descend strongly on the two countries for the six maximum points to secure a safe berth".

It added that "it was a sweet victory and must be celebrated by all Ghanaians, the, the battle has just begun and we should not relent on our efforts till we secure the ultimate ticket to Germany 2006". It added that, "the jubilant atmosphere in all parts of the country as a result of the victory confirms the President's view that, when the Black Stars perform, the nation's mood is lightened".

The statement, however, called on the team to do away with complacency since the era of underrating opponents is past. In a related development, the President acknowledged Ike "Bazooka Quartey's unanimous victory over Verno Philips last Saturday as well as Jonathan Okine earlier feat also in boxing.