‘I just wanted a photo with Partey’ – Pitch invader during Black Stars match explains
A football fan who invades the pitch at the Cape Coast stadium during the Black Stars 2021 AFCON qualifier has explained, he desperately needed to take a photo with Thomas Partey.
“I wanted to snap a picture with Thomas Partey. I just wanted to have a picture with him” the man who gave his name as Awal told JoyNews Friday.
Photo: Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey who scored Ghana’s first goal in Ghana 2-0 win against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa plays for Spanish football giant Athletico Madrid.
At just about 83rd minute while the Black Stars were cruising to victory against South Africa in the match Thursday evening, Awal broke through the pitch.
He was chased down by at least seven officers of the National Fire Service and the Police.
Cheered on by fans, the sprinting stranger left a Fire Fighter tumbling down the grass as he evaded arrest.
The police at the University of Cape Coast have since charged him with unlawful entry and offensive conduct.
His family and friends had gathered at the police station waiting anxiously for his release.
Awal explained he was an athlete at Apam Senior High School, running in 200m and 400m races. He also represented the Central region during national competition.
He said he is a trained nurse. “I am in the house waiting for posting”, he said.
Awal also revealed he plays football with a Second Division club in Cape Coast. He said he regretted his actions.
“I just want to go home, take my bath and go to the Mosque”, Awal revealed his anxiety at the police station.