Ghana Black Stars sponsor encourages team against Portugal

Accra, June 24 (IANS) The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the main sponsor of Ghana's national football team, urged the Black Stars to approach the game against Portugal with the zeal and determination that they demonstrated in their match last Saturday.

The state-run oil company said in a statement signed by its chief executive Alex Mould that it appreciated the professionalism, dedication and resilience the team had demonstrated so far in the global soccer event as the side was playing the best teams in the world, reports Xinhua.

Ghana drew 2-2 against tournament favourites Germany Saturday. But the state oil company believes the Black Stars would bounce back and qualify for the next stage of the competition.

"We hope that you will get back to the drawing board, put in your maximum efforts in preparation for your final Group match against Portugal," Mould said.

"You can count on our continuous support as a dependable partner as we both aspire to succeed at the global level, holding high the flag of Ghana," he said.

"Once more, we salute you and hope that united as one, you will enter the final match with professionalism, creativity and innovation, and teamwork, which are values we hold dearly," said Mould.

Ghana will play Portugal in the final Group G match, a game most Ghanaians expect the national team to win convincingly.