Ghana team to be honored by government
Jul 6, 2010 - 7:42 PM By FRANCIS KOKUTSE Associated Press WriterACCRA, Ghana(AP) -- Ghana's World Cup players will be given national honors and $20,000 each after reaching the quarterfinals in South Africa.
"You deserved to be honored because you have made Ghana and indeed Africa proud by your performance," Mills said Tuesday in announcing the accolades at a lunch for the team. The Black Stars were greeted by cheering fans when they returned to Accra on Monday night.
Ghana was adopted as Africa's team during its run to the final eight of the tournament. The squad came close to being the first team from the continent to make the semifinals; they were knocked out in a penalty shootout by Uruguay in the quarters. The other five African teams all failed to qualify for the second round.
"You did not win the World Cup but, through your performance, you carried high the flags of not only Ghana but Africa," Mills said.
As well as the cash bonus for the players, a government official said members of the coaching team would receive a reward of $10,000 each.
Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, who is from Ghana, wrote in a letter to the team that he was one of millions left "heartbroken" after the Uruguay loss.
Ghana was denied victory when a blatant hand ball prevented a goal in the final seconds of extra time. Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty kick, forcing the shootout.
"You won because you brought us all together," Annan's letter said. "The lasting trophy to take away from the tournament is this incredible moment of unity."
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Portugal tops Ghana but still falls short Jul 9
- Ghana suspends Boateng, Muntari Jul 9
- Ghana, Portugal eye surprise berth in round of 16 Jul 9
- Ghana, Germany share spoils in thrilling draw Jul 9
- Ghana ready for fight against Germany Jul 9
- Cameroon, Ghana to investigate WC failures Jun 29
- Ghana orders inquiry into World Cup crisis Jun 27
- Ghana coach defends player suspensions Jun 26
- Two Ghana players expelled from World Cup Jun 26
- Ghana's Cup bounty could be seized: Brazil Jun 25
- Brooks gives US thrilling win over Ghana Jun 16
- Ghana tipped for US win Jun 15