Black Stars fans in South Africa waiting for the team to arrive for the Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana’s Black Stars arrived to a rapturous welcome in Port Elizabeth on Thursday morning for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Stars contingent touched down at exactly 11:48am local time at the Port Elizabeth Airport, amidst funfair which brought all activities at the airport to a halt.

Amidst tight security organized by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the airport erupted just when Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah inched towards the arrival door in the company of his number two, Maxwell Konadu and Team Manager, Sabahn Quaye.

The presence of hundreds of Ghanaian residents in Port Elizabeth made things difficult for the security guards on duty, compelling them to allow the supporters the rare moment of meeting their idols that close.

The residents, clad in the national colours sang and chanted, but the pitch intensified moments after the players led by captain Asamoah Gyan, moved towards their shuttle.

Not even South Africans were left out of the scene, as shop owners abandoned their wares to catch a glimpse of the Stars.
The team was welcomed by the Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Zanoxolo Wayile and CAF General Coordinator for the venue, Massa Diarra as well as officials of the LOC.

The Mayor assured the team of his support during their stay for the tournament.

The team was then whisked to their Garden Court Kings Hotel under tight security.

Source: GNA