The Black Stars joined Deputy Captain Thomas Partey at the Transitions Funeral Home in Accra for the funeral of his father, Jacob Teye Partey.

The team arrived in Accra Friday morning after Thursday’s 2-0 win over Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Sekondi, and moved straight to the venue for the service to commiserate with Partey and his family.

It was a moment of unity and solidarity for the team, who put their preparations for Monday’s return fixture against Somalia on hold to stand with one of their own in a difficult moment.

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, was present to commiserate with the family and to show the government’s support for the Partey family and the Black Stars.

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, led the football delegation, with Executive Council Members Dr. Randy Abbey, Samuel Aboabire and Gideon Fosu also present.

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, who doubles as Vice-Chairman of the Black Stars

Management Committee was also present to support the team and the Partey family.

Others included 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Awudu Issaka, former international David Accam, and the Regional Association Chairmen for Eastern, Central and Volta Regions — Linford Asamoah, Robert Duncan and Daniel Agbogah.

The presence of the entire team, the Minister, the GFA leadership and former players underlined the close bond within the Black Stars family, and the respect and love the football fraternity has for Thomas Partey and his late father.

The Black Stars will now turn their focus back to Monday’s qualifier against Somalia, with the thoughts and prayers of the team with the Partey family.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS