Ministry salutes Hearts

Accra, Jan 12, GNA - The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has sent a congratulatory massage to Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club in the wake of their historic victory in the Confederation Cup competition last Sunday.

A statement signed by Mr Joe Aggrey, Deputy Minister copied to the the Super Cup to the glory of Mother Ghana and the club itself".

The Phobians last Sunday snatched victory from the jaws of Kumasi Asante Kotoko in front of their teeming supporters with a 8-7 win on penalties after the second leg game ended one all in regulation time. Hearts are scheduled to play as guest of Enyimba of Nigeria, winners of the Champions League in the Super Cup encounter billed for Nigeria in February.

Mr Aggrey extended the Ministry's appreciation to the security agencies for what he described as their remarkable commitment towards the organization of the two-leg game.

He also saluted the management of the clubs, players and supporters for the role they played in ensuring an incident-free game.

The Deputy Minister expressed his conviction that the standard exhibited by the two teams would be maintained in future matches to prove to the world of the country's preparedness for the hosting of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations competition.

In a related development, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also extended its congratulatory message to the Phobians for annexing the maiden trophy last Sunday.

A statement signed by Mr Kofi Nsiah, General Secretary of the Association said, "we have followed with keen interest your club's show of resilience in both legs to clinch the ultimate. We are optimistic that the club will stay focused and prepare adequately for the Super Cup."