It’s Ghana’s Time - Dickoh

Defender Francis Dickoh has disclosed that the time has come for the senior national team, the Black Stars to show the rest of the world that Ghana is streets ahead of the rest of Africa where football is concerned.

He said with dedication and hard work, coupled with home support, Ghana stands a good chance to lift the African Cup of Nations for the fifth time, come February 10, 2008.

Speaking in interview which was telecast on Tv3 yesterday, the Ghanaian defender who plies his trade with Utrecht FC in Holland, noted that the willingness of the Black Stars to sacrifice for the nation and Ghanaians' unwavering support for the team provide a perfect setting for Ghana to win the nations cup tournament which takes place between January 20 and February 10, 2008.

The Danish-born Ghanaian footballer averred that when he was called to national team, all the other players including Samuel Osei Kuffour, Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah embraced him, making him feel at home. He added that his bond with Ghana can only get stronger.

Dickoh intimated that local teams in Ghana can cash in on the African soccer fiesta by riding on the football fever the event would create to make the sport grow since the facilities for the Ghana 2008 tournament would be at the disposal of the clubs after the competition.

The defender, who would be celebrating his 25th birthday on December 13, urged Ghanaian soccer fans to give the Black Stars support since “the players are in the mood for the competition”.

Francis Dickoh was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and he made his debut for the Black Stars on 14th November against Saudi Arabia.

By Mohammed Muniru Kassim