After securing historic qualification to the inaugural African Nations Championship, the entire team of the Black Stars has received the congratulations of the Ghana Football Association.

Ghana picked one of the seven qualifying places for the maiden tournament to be hosted by Ivory Coast next year after playing out a 0-0 game against rivals, Nigeria on Sunday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The Black Stars however qualified as they beat the Eagles 3-2 in Accra a forth night ago.

Hailing the team for a wonderful performance which draws Ghana amongst the other side’s for the maiden competition, an FA statement extolled the solid performance by the team which also brings to the fore the strength of the Ghanaian league structure.

"The Ghana Football Association is proud of you (team), but most importantly, Ghana is proud of you," read an FA statement released today.

"We're excited for you (team). You showed a strong character, put in hard work and exhibited your ability to bring honour to yourselves and country.

“The quality exhibited since the start of the qualifiers and most importantly the last two games clearly depicts the strength and worth of our domestic game which continues to improve year after year.

“We congratulate all members of the squad who have been part of this wonderful project since the qualifiers started, the present team and most importantly the technical team together with the management for guiding us to the finals of the CHAN.”

The roll call for the draw of lots for the inaugural African Nations Championship were completed over the weekend as Ghana together with six other countries - Libya, Tanzania, Senegal, Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Zambia – will join hosts, Ivory Coast for the finals of the competition.

The Confederation of African Football – Caf, will hold the draw of lots on December 26 in Abidjan.

The competition, which is for only locally-based players, will see Ivory Coast hosting the maiden tournament from the 22nd February-8th March 2009 involving eight sides.