The Ashanti King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has told the Black Stars to ride above criticism and focus on rewarding their supporters with a win when they face Sudan in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Ghana will be at home at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday against the Nile Crocodiles in a Group D action as they resume their push for Brazil 2014.

The King at a reception on Thursday at his Palace for the 23-man squad in Kumasi demanded from the players total commitment and also tasked fans to rally behind the national team.

"My advice to the players is that they should ignore the criticism and focus on the task ahead. All Ghanaians are coaches so they will have something to say about your performances but the key thing for you is to focus on your matches," the Asantehene said when he hosted the players to his palace on Thursday.

"In as much as we are prepared for the game, the Sudanese have also prepared so we should not expect and easy game. You should go out there and prepare very well to beat them convincingly.

"Ghanaians should be moderate in their criticism of the players and officials because no one goes out there to intentionally lose. The team needs the support to be able to qualify for the World Cup and I know they will qualify."

The Black Stars are three points behind Zambia after two games in the second round qualifying campaign.