By Lydia Kukua Asamoah, GNA
Accra, Nov 18, GNA- First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has called on the participating teams in the ongoing Total Women’s Africa World Cup of Nations (AWCON), to use the tournament not only to win laurels, but also to foster friendship, unity and integration of African States.
Speaking at a short, but colourful opening ceremony on Saturday at the newly refurbished Accra Sports Stadium, Mrs Akufo-Addo said « the integration of this continent remains a major focus for all African Governments ».
Mrs. Akufo-Addo, said African states must find the championship as a great opportunity to strengthen existing bonds of friendship among the people of Africa « while the African Union and other African organizations continue their efforts at integrating Africa at the political and economic levels ».
She expressed the confidence that, « the championship would complement efforts to bring the continent together and unite us in a way that nothing else can ».
The First Lady said: « Let us exhibit the spirit of friendship on and off the field. During the period of this championship, when a friend falls, lend a helping hand. When a team scores, applaud the heroic feat. »
The 11th edition of the African Women’s World Cup kicked off in Ghana, as the host nation’s Black Queens, defeated Algeria with a lone goal.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo, in the company of Mrs Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady, and Mr Isaac Asiamah, Youth and Sports Minister formally declared the tournament open.
Also present at the Stadium were Mr Ahmed Ahmed, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other CAF officials.
« Give us spectacular goals, give us impressive set pieces and give us brilliant defenses and everything else that makes football the most exciting game on the planet », Mrs Akufo-Addo told the players to rapturous cheers from enthusiastic fans from across the world.
The 15 day competition would bring together the top African women national teams to compete for 15 days in a tournament that will determine the FIFA Women World Cup qualifiers.
The competition, aptly named AWCON, is held once every two years.
GNA
WE
