Black Stars rally behind Thomas Partey at father’s funeral

The Black Stars football team, led by deputy captain Thomas Partey, paid tribute to his late father, Jacob Teye Partey, at his funeral in Accra. The squad traveled to Accra on Friday after securing a 2-0 win over Somalia in the first leg of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Sekondi on Thursday. Upon arrival, the players and coaching staff immediately went to the funeral home to offer condolences to Partey and his family, temporarily halting their preparations for the upcoming match on Monday.

Notable figures in attendance included Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, GFA president Kurt Okraku, and other key members of the football community. Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, along with other former Ghana internationals, were also present to show support. The extensive representation from the football fraternity underscored the unity within the team and the broader football community during this difficult time.

As the team prepares to face Somalia in the second leg of the qualifier at Essipong Sports Stadium, they will focus on regrouping and aiming to capitalize on their first-leg success to strengthen their stance in the quest for qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.