Essien Dad Predicts Semis Berth
James Kweku Essien, father of Ghana's ace midfielder Michael Essien has predicted that the Black Stars will make it to the semi finals of the upcoming World Cup tournament in South Africa.
Mr. Essien observed: “I even have a funny feeling that granted the right atmosphere, Ghana will not only make it to the semis, but will also reach the finals and probably lift the cup for Africa for the first time.”
The world's most coveted football competition will be held for the first time in Africa from June 11 to July 11 this year.
Ghana, the only country which went past the group stages in the 2006 edition in Germany have been drawn in group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Australia.
The former Accra Hearts of Oak player told Kessben Fm, a Kumasi-based radio station in an interview that “I am deeply worried that my beloved son will not be featuring in the World Cup as Ghana makes its appearance for the second consecutive time but I do not think that his absence will impact negatively on the team”.
Michael Essien was ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury he sustained while on international duty in January.
Mr Essien said though there was no denying the fact that his son was a big star whose presence could have undoubtedly boosted the chances of the team, Ghanaians should not over concentrate on his no-show.
Expressing confidence in the crop of players selected to represent the country in South Africa, Mr. Essien stressed that it was important for the players to inculcate the habit of discipline in every thing they do both on the field of play and outside it.