Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has paid a visit to the Philadelphia Church of Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah in the United States to seek spiritual support and blessings for the Black Stars ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Croatia.
The visit comes as Ghana continues preparations for one of its most important matches of the tournament. The Black Stars are set to face Croatia in Philadelphia, a fixture many football fans and analysts consider a major test for the Ghanaian side.
Speaking during the church service, Kofi Adams said the purpose of the visit was to pray for the national team and seek divine intervention for success at the World Cup.
“We have come to the Philadelphia Church to seek blessings. Since Ghana will be playing against Croatia right here in Philadelphia, I know God will grant us victory through this prayer,” he stated.
The Sports Minister acknowledged that many critics and football observers have expressed doubts about Ghana’s chances at the tournament. However, he said the team remains determined to defy expectations and make the nation proud.
According to him, the visit symbolised faith and hope in the face of a difficult challenge. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of David and Goliath, he said Ghana was seeking the same courage and strength that helped David overcome a stronger opponent.
“The critics do not expect us to do well at this World Cup. However, by being here, we have come to claim the symbolic stone that David used to bring down Goliath, and we are claiming it for the Black Stars,” he added.
Religion and football have often shared a close connection in Ghana, with players, officials, and supporters frequently turning to prayer ahead of major tournaments and matches.
The Black Stars themselves have a long tradition of holding prayer sessions before important games.
As anticipation builds for the encounter with Croatia, many Ghanaians will be hoping that both preparation on the pitch and spiritual support off it can help the Black Stars secure a positive result and continue their World Cup journey.
