Ghana’s hero against Nigeria, Thomas Partey, has highlighted the team spirit in the Black Stars squad which played a major part in the team’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Partey scored a vital away goal in Abuja which, in spite of Nigeria’s equaliser, took Ghana through to the tournament in Qatar.
The Black Stars were on the back foot for much of the game, with Nigeria desperate for goals, particularly once Ghana took the lead.
However, the Ghanaian captain insists that despite the pressure from the Super Eagles, the players never doubted each other or the technical team, remaining focused throughout the game in order to secure qualification.
Speaking to Citi Sports Editor, Fentuo Tahiru, on the team’s arrival in Accra from Abuja, an elated Partey expressed his appreciation for his teammates and the technical team.
“Everybody is happy. We believed in ourselves, we trusted each other,” he said.
“I’m very grateful to the team, to the manager and to the management. We have to celebrate this. Everyone is happy.”
Partey’s crucial strike, his 13th in 40 appearances for the national team, came against the run of play, with Nigeria dominant in the early stages.
Despite a period of consistent pressure from the Super Eagles, in which they scored an equaliser from the spot, the Black Stars held on to reach their fourth World Cup.