Ghana's goalkeeper Richard Kingson
Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson urged his teammates to remain focused on the field, rather than on security concerns, when they meet Egypt in the World Cup playoff on 19 November.
The Black Stars had requested moving the second leg of the African World Cup playoff outside of Egypt due to the ongoing political turmoil affecting the country's security, but the FIFA still granted the North African country the green light to host the game in Cairo.
“The message I have for my colleagues Black Stars players and the technical team is to remain focused on the task ahead,” Kingson told Ghanasoccernet.
“If you are prepared to die, you are prepared to live. You need not fear where you are going when you know Almighty God is going with you. We are not alone,” the Doxa Katokopias goalie concluded.
Ghana dominated the first-leg in Kumasi surprisingly winning the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions 6-1.
The 35-year-old net-guard has been axed from the squad to face the Pharaohs.
Ghana will defeat Egypt, says Captain Gyan Asamoah Gyan (R) of Ghana fights for the ball with Mohamed Naguib of Egypt during their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi 15 October, 2013 (Photo: Reuters)
The team's skipper Asamoah Gyan said the venue was safe, adding that Ghana is ready for the game and can beat Egypt anywhere.
“We appealed to FIFA earlier because of the political tension, but their sanctioning the venue is enough proof that the venue is safe for use,” Gyan was quoted as saying in the Daily Guide.
“Wherever FIFA asks us to play the second leg, we will defeat them...I am in touch with my colleagues on regular basis and ... could feel how ready they are for the game.
“We have come too far to miss the Brazil 2014 World Cup bus...we are determined to give our best shot, and that alone is enough motivation to conquer them at their own backyard. Ghanaians should relax and continue to pray for us for a good day. We won’t disappoint them,” Gyan concluded.
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