Tuesday’s shocking result that saw the male senior side, the Black Stars, lose 5-0 in an international friendly to Saudi Arabia might have caused many supporters of the team to question Ghana’s preparedness to compete for honours in next year’s African Cup of Nations.

However, the sport body, the Ghana Football Association remain resolute to ensure that the team delivers success in all other competitions, especially the Nations Cup to be hosted by four cities in Ghana.

Though a setback, considering Ghana’s high standards in football, the Ghana Football Association has expressed regrets for the result of the game that saw the Black Stars pick up the unexpected heavy defeat.

A statement released by the FA and signed by General Secretary, Kofi Nsiah, says the sport body shares the pain of the football family.

It also explains that, all factors that contributed to the teams defeat together with the suggestions by supporters of the team has been taken on board as the national side prepares for the African Cup of Nations.

Below is the full text of the statement:

BLACK STARS PREPARATIONS FOR GHANA 2008

The Ghana football association wishes to express its sincere regrets about the unfortunate outcome of the game between the Black Stars and Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, 11th September, 2007. This result came after the Black Stars had recorded impressive outings ever since the team’s wonderful outing at the 2006 FIFA world cup in Germany.

We share in the pain of all Ghanaians and would quickly want to assure all football – loving Ghanaians that we have taken due cognisance of the factors that led to our defeat by the Saudis, together with the numerous suggestions made by the football fraternity and will continue to work hard to build a Black Stars capable of winning the Cup of African Nations 2008.

We thank all for their expressions of concern and hope to continue to enjoy the support of all Ghanaians as we work towards ensuring continued success at all levels of Ghana football.